By Celestine Avi
The leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has applauded President John Dramani Mahama for his longstanding support for media freedom and his personal interest in the affairs of journalists in the country.
This came to light when the new national executives and some Council of Elders of the Association paid a courtesy call on him at the Presidency in Accra.
Recognition of Mahama’s Role in Media Practice
President of the Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, said under NDC governments, media freedom has been vibrant and robust, with President Mahama himself being a proud member of the fraternity. He stressed that the President’s open-door policy, listening ear, and background as a journalist make him uniquely positioned to safeguard media practice in Ghana.
Commendation of Presidential Intervention
The Association lauded President Mahama for directly intervening in recent cases of assault on journalists, describing it as unprecedented in Ghana’s recent history. They emphasized that his intervention in the case of soldiers assaulting journalists during the demolition of a warehouse in Madina demonstrated his dedication to media welfare.
Call for Support for Injured Journalists
The GJA appealed for presidential support towards the medical treatment of journalist Juan Paos Asiedu, who was shot while covering the 2020 elections. They also urged compensation for journalists who have suffered brutalities in the line of duty, citing names such as Latif Idrisu, Erastus Asare Donkor, Ohemeng Tawiah, and Theophilus Kwesi Ennin.
Concern Over Press Freedom Rankings
The Association expressed worry over Ghana’s decline in the World Press Freedom Index, slipping from first in Africa to eighth, and from 50th to 52nd globally. They appealed to the President to use his office to protect journalists, enact stronger laws against attacks, and restore Ghana’s leading position in media freedom.
Securing the GJA Press Centre
On infrastructure, the Association appealed to the President to intervene in securing the land title and redevelopment of the GJA Press Centre, a property donated over 20 years ago. They said developing it into an ultra-modern facility would be a lasting legacy under President Mahama’s tenure.
Support for State-Owned Media and Capacity Building
The GJA called for urgent retooling and revitalization of state-owned media to prevent collapse. They further urged the revival of the Media Development Fund to build the capacity of journalists and ensure professionalism in the industry.
Appeal for Awards Sponsorship
The Association requested presidential support for the GJA Media Awards, including enhanced prizes for winners to motivate excellence in journalism. They formally invited President Mahama to attend this year’s Awards, which will be held in Kumasi for the first time, hosted by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
GJA Delegation
The delegation included Vice President Ms. Rebecca Ekpe, General Secretary Mr. Dominic Hlordzi, Organizing Secretary Mr. Suleiman Mustapha, National Treasurer Ms. Bertha Badu-Agyei, and Public Affairs Officer Zadok Kwame Gyesi.
The Council of Elders present were Mrs. Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, a former GJA President and member of the Council of State; veteran journalist Mr. Kwesi Pratt Jr., a member of the National Media Commission; Mr. Gabriel Bosompem, also a member of the Council of Elders and former National Media Commission member; and Mr. Kobby Asmah, veteran journalist and former Daily Graphic Editor.
