By Michael Ahinsah
The Ghana Journalists Association hosted it’s maiden Dinner night on December 21, 2022 at the Forecourt of the Ghana International Press Centre, a major event after the GJA Awards.
The Dinner Night gave an opportunity for members of the GJA and all journalists across the country to socialize and interact, whiles exchanging ideas on the way forward with regard to National development and cohesion.
In attendance were; the President of the Republic of Ghana, Akufo-Addo, who was a Special Guest of Honour, GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the Deputy Minister of Information, Fatimatou Abubakar; Elder Stateswoman Rev. Joyce Aryee among others.
The GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour in his speech, hinted that the GJA, under his administration, has established a Journalists Support Fund with the aim to address Impunity For Crimes Against Journalists.
“We have set up a fund of Journalists, the Journalists Support Fund”. The fund is aimed at addressing impunities for crimes against Journalists which has been a major concern worldwide”.
“Journalists go to the length to bring stories that matter to the public; however, many journalists attacked have gone through excruciating pain. Mr. President, instead of appreciating the works we do the impunity for crimes against Journalists continue unabated”, he stressed.
The President, Akufo-Addo, in his speech, commended all Journalists for their effort in ensuring accountability and sustaining Ghana’s democracy. He highlighted the role of Journalists during the outbreak of the Covid-19 virus explaining that the journalists provided the facts in educating the public.
“I thank you journalists of this country for keeping our government accountable. It is the media that has encouraged our people to be more discerning vocal and questioning as a civic-minded public”, he posited.
“Without a lively media that worked for hand in hand to deliver not only the news about Covid but also to communicate strategies and public health messages that have been put in place around the country and the continent, we would be telling a different story today”, according to President Akufo-Addo.
Among those who attended the Dinner Night were Veteran Journalists and Members of the Diplomatic Corps.
