.By: Jeremiah Nutsugah
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert K. Dwumfour, has called on journalists to maintain their relevance, remain useful and contribute effectively to their profession, promoting national development and ensuring equitable distribution of national resources through relevant reforms.
Speaking at the opening of the second edition of the Media Capacity Enhancement training held at the UniMAC auditorium in Accra, a program designed to equip the media for an active role in nation-building and enhance the skills of practitioners, Mr. Dwumfour emphasized the need for journalists to build the desired nation by fostering a dynamic and unbiased political and administrative machinery.
“Our efforts should be directed towards endeavors that bring about the equitable distribution of our national resources among the people by introducing relevant reforms. We should discourage monopolies that drive our economy and consecrate the means of production to the majority of the citizenry and not just a few elites,” he said.
Highlighting the significance of the training program, he stressed that it goes beyond a routine exercise, placing a serious premium on the development of members’ capacity and instilling a sense of patriotism and nation-building.
Mr. Dwumfour noted that the role of the media becomes crucial as it serves as a watchdog, holding every sector of the economy accountable. He emphasized the media’s potential to play an effective role in spreading awareness among the public about the limitations of policymakers, development partners, and planners.
With the 2024 elections approaching, he encouraged journalists to adhere to the ethics of the GJA, anticipating a heated election season. He urged them to prioritize the concept of nation-building and embrace the responsibilities that come with the task.