By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
Former President of Ghana under the Fourth Republic, Mr. John Agyekum Kuffour has admonished Ghanaian journalists to use their powers as the fourth Estate to influence developments in Ghana.
According to the former President, journalists are an integral part of national development, hence, the need for them to leverage the powers assigned to them under the 1992 Constitution in order to contribute effectively to the socio-economic development of Ghana.
Mr. Kuffour made the point when the National Executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) paid a courtesy call on him at his Peduase Residence.
“Sovereignty is with the people. I see the media as a necessity because you are the fourth Estate”, Mr. Kufour said.
The former President explained that his decision to repeal the criminal libel law was borne out of the value he placed on Journalists adding that “I saw Journalists as essential partners in Ghana’s quest to develop”.
Mr. Kuffour also expressed his appreciation to the GJA Executives for the honour done to him and assured them of his willingness to attend the 26th GJA Awards slated for November 12, 2022.
The GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour earlier said the visit was to introduce the new GJA Executives to the former President and seek his counsel and blessings whilst they (the Executives) forged ahead to transform the Association.
He also commended the former President for repealing the Criminal Libel Law, a singular act Mr. Dwumfour said has given Freedom to Journalists.
In that regard, the GJA President conferred on him, the Patron of the GJA.
“With the power vested in me as the President we will make you our patron”, the GJA President announced.
He pointed out that the Former President had contributed so much to the expansion of the frontiers of the media.
Mr. Dwumfour pledged that the GJA would continue to call on him for wisdom and good counsel.