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.