By: Rachel Kakraba
In the lead-up to the Ghana Journalists Association, GJA, elections today, candidates especially those vying for national executive positions have remained resolute in their campaigns, often crossing paths on the trail. It has been months of intense engagement and spirited exchange of ideas; all aimed at winning the support of members to lead the Association.
With the much-anticipated polls set to open this morning, candidates are seizing every last-minute opportunity to engage with voters and appeal for their mandate in this year’s election.
For some staff of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, GBC, who are contesting and have been tipped as favourites, the race is far from over. They continue to articulate their vision and make a strong case on why they deserve the nod at the polls.
For Vice President Aspirant Rebecca Ekpe, her vision includes promoting inter-generational learning where experience meets youthful energy to shape the future of journalism. Through this, she aims to create a platform that allows veteran journalists to share their knowledge and mentor the next generation. She plans to collaborate with other elected executives to promote the welfare of Ghanaian journalists.
”One of the things that I believe is very critical to journalists in this country is the issue of welfare. Welfare is so critical that every day we hear something about welfare. For me, I want to put it in the context of the fact that welfare means the overall wellbeing of journalists, safety and protection of journalists. We also mean physical and emotional. needs of journalists”
Madam Ekpe, emphasized that she will focus on strengthening the Association’s presence and activities in the regions.
“I think that we would have to heed to the cry of our people, the journalists within the regions. We need to ensure that programmes that we’re doing, we are actually alternating these programs across the regions. It’s very important”
General Secretary contender, Dominic Hlordzi, who has served the Association in various capacities, is campaigning on four key thematic areas which he believes will reposition the GJA and empower journalists to contribute more meaningfully to society.
“ I have the experience that nobody has because I’ve been regional secretary, regional vice chairman, regional chairman, and then I became the National Organizing Secretary. My vision is to work to become that strong fulcrum in which a lot of things revolve for the betterment of journalists”
Adding on, Mr. Hlordzi said “I plan to work using four thematic points that I intend implementing, one is to enhance our communication. The General Secretary by constitutional dictate is supposed to be the one communicating to members internally and externally. There are three key things that we need to work on, the safety of the journalism professionalism and how to ensure that we promote what we do, so that we contribute to national development”
For Treasurer Aspirant, Theodora Amedetor, financial discipline is the foundation of a strong Association. She aims to strengthen the GJA’s finances through transparency, innovation, and accountability.
“I believe with my experience over the years, I can contribute my bit to making life a bit bearable for our members as GJA. As a treasurer, I intend to work closely and collaboratively with the executive team, ensuring that all financial decisions are made transparently and in line with our shared vision for the GJA. I’ll present financial reports at executive meeting, seek input before committing to expenditures and always ensure decisions align with the association’s priorities and benefit members”
The Treasurer aspirant added “By fostering trust and teamwork, I believe we all can build a financially responsible leadership that truly serve our people, and whatever we do will ensure that it benefits the members”
From the news team we wish all colleagues contesting in the election the very best of luck. May your dedication, passion, and commitment to the profession be rewarded. Win or lose, your courage to serve is commendable and we stand with you in solidarity.
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