The President of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has stated that one of the greatest achievements of the current Administration is the successful bid to host the 3rd Africa Media Convention in May 2024.
He said this at a Forum to Commemorate the First Anniversary of the Current GJA Administration held in Accra yesterday at the British Council.
On June 30, 2022, the current national executive members of the GJA were sworn into office for a three-year tenure.
One year on, the current GJA Administration held a forum to Commemorate its first anniversary.
The forum, dubbed,”Current Trends In Ghana’s Media Landscape” brought stakeholders on board to identify and address issues confronting the practice of journalism in the country.
The stakeholders spoke on topics including ‘Media ownership; Challenges and Prospects’, New Media versus Traditional Media; Issues of ethics and professionalism’ and ‘An assessment of the Criminal Law on false news and its application in Ghana’.
Touching on the achievements of the Dwumfour-led-Administration at the forum, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour mentioned the refurbishment of the Ghana International Press Centre, the launch of the Journalist Support Fund to address welfare concerns amongst others.
However, he noted that the GJA, with the support of the government and UNESCO, won the bid to host the event during the last Africa Media Convention held in Lusaka, Zambia, last May 2023.
As the biggest gathering of the media fraternity in Africa, supported by the African Union and UNESCO, Mr Dwumfour said the Convention will lead hundreds of participants from Africa and across the world to Accra next year, which will also mark the 60th anniversary of the AU.
He noted that the Convention will bring together media experts, scholars, Diplomats, students, journalists, journalists’ unions and associations, editors, public and private sector, including cooperating partners from around the African continent and beyond as well as representatives from UNESCO and the African Union Commission.
“It is a moment of reflection by African media stakeholders on the revolving trends that impede freedom of expression and freedom of the media, media viability and sustainability as well as the safety and security of journalists. We hope to take advantage of the event to showcase the best of Ghana’s media and other endowments,” he added.
Moving forward, the GJA President said the Association is working hard at increasing its membership while exploring more professional training opportunities for its members.
“We are collaborating with the Private Newspaper Publishers Association of Ghana, Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association and Media Foundation for West Africa in the fight against attacks on press freedom,” he said.
Meanwhile, Mr Dwumfour said the Association is planning to have a meeting with the Speaker of Parliament, Mr Alban Bagbin to discuss the general welfare of Journalists.
This was after the Speaker touched on a very sensitive matter that is crucial to the survival of the media and the maintenance of its integrity.
“Suffice it to say that the issue of media protection, better conditions of service, and a scheme of service for Ghanaian journalists is at the heart of the GJA agenda. It’s worthwhile to note that the legislative arm of government is showing commitment towards this struggle,” he said.
The GJA President also observed that due to the deteriorating economic conditions confronting journalists in the country, Ghana’s ranking in the World Press Freedom Index has declined.
Noting that the World Press Freedom report captured this, he was of the belief that press freedom is meaningless until it is linked to the professional development and total financial liberation of journalists.
“We are hopeful to garner the support of all stakeholders to see to the realization of this dream. As media professionals, we have a crucial role to play in ensuring the economic growth of the country, particularly in such critical times when the global economy is experiencing difficulties. While highlighting social evils such as corruption and abuse of power, we should also project or highlight activities and programs that promote the economic development of the nation,” He added.
He also used the frum to thank all, especially the executives who have worked tirelessly for the achievements of the current Administration.