News
New GJA executives sworn into office
Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) were last Friday sworn into office.
The Acting Chief Justice, Justice Baffoe-Bonnie, administered the oaths of office and allegiance to the newly elected executives of the association.
The new national executives of the association are Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, President; Ms Rebecca Ekpe, Vice President; Mr Dominic Hlordzi, General Secretary; Mr Suleiman Mustapha, Organsing Secretary; Mrs Bertha Badu-Agyei, National Treasurer and Mr Zadok Kwame Gyesi, Public Affairs Officer.
Agyemang (seated middle front row) with
Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (seated left),
Acting Chief Justice and Mr Alfred Kwabena
Dwumfour, GJA President
Agyemang (third from right) interacting with Mr
Alfred Kwabena Dwumfour (second from left),
GJA President after the swearing programme
Opoku-Agyemang (inset) addressing
participants at the swearing in
(middle), Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie (third from
left), Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu (second from left)
and Mr John Ntim Fordjour (left) with the new GJA
national executives
The swearing-in ceremony, drew a diverse gathering of journalists, diplomats, traditional rulers, and government officials.
Justice Baffoe-Bonnie urged them to uphold professionalism and highest journalistic standards and cautioned them of the consequences associated with taking an oath.
In her address, the Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, charged members of the media to uphold truth, balance, and integrity in their work.
She described journalism as a noble calling central to Ghana’s democratic development, saying “let your work reflect the values of truth and national responsibility,” assuring the new leadership of government’s support in strengthening media freedom and transparency.
On his part, Mr Dwumfuor unveiled a five-point agenda to guide his second term, with a focus on strengthening the GJA’s institutional structures, enhancing the welfare of members, advancing professional development, promoting regional integration, and undertaking constitutional reforms.
He reaffirmed his commitment to completing the GJA insurance scheme and launching a comprehensive health support system for journalists.
Mr Dwumfuor made an emotional appeal for national and international support for Pius Asare, a young journalist who sustained severe injuries during the 2020 elections and requires surgery in India to the tune of $35,000.
He also condemned the increasing attacks on journalists and called for urgent action from law enforcement agencies. Mr Dwumfuor stressed that brutality, intimidation, and impunity against media practitioners should not be tolerated in a civilised society.
Government spokesperson, Mr Felix Ofosu Kwakye, reinforced government’s commitment to a free and safe press environment.
While welcoming constructive criticism, he condemned acts of misinformation and recent violent attacks on journalists.
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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