BY Daniel Bampoe
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has officially commenced his second term as President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) with a powerful reaffirmation of his commitment to transforming journalism in Ghana.
Declared winner by the Electoral Commission in a tightly contested national executive election on Monday, Dwumfour polled 445 votes, representing 64.49% of the valid votes cast, to defeat his sole challenger, Charles Yao Mawusi, who had 245 votes.
In his victory address delivered to a gathering of journalists, supporters, and media stakeholders, Dwumfour expressed heartfelt gratitude for the renewed mandate, describing the win as “a victory for every journalist who believes in the power of truth.”
He emphasized that his second term would be centered on the success and professional advancement of Ghanaian journalists.
He used his first term to initiate reforms aimed at revitalizing the GJA, pushing for improved working conditions, protecting press freedom, and setting higher ethical standards within the media space.
He acknowledged progress made but admitted that there is still more to accomplish.
“My re-election signals a clear desire for continuity, for the consolidation of our gains, and for the acceleration of the initiatives we started,” he said.
“This second term will be about building on our successes, learning from our challenges, and pushing the boundaries of what we can achieve together.”
Journalists at the Heart of the Agenda
Dwumfour pledged to intensify efforts toward the welfare, safety, and development of journalists.
He reiterated a firm stance on advocating better conditions for media practitioners and ensuring justice for those attacked in the line of duty.
He also stressed the importance of upholding press freedom, not just as a privilege for journalists, but as a democratic right for all Ghanaians.
“We will continue to be the voice of the voiceless and provide accurate, balanced, and insightful information that empowers the public,” he stated.
Building Unity
In a move to foster unity within the association, Dwumfour extended an olive branch to all journalists and stakeholders, calling on them to put aside their differences and collaborate for the collective good of the profession.
“To navigate this complex media terrain successfully, we must stand united,” he declared. “Let us put aside our divisions and work together for the common good of Ghanaian journalism.”
He further called on government, civil society, academia, and the private sector to work with the GJA in reinforcing the role of the media in national development.
The Road Ahead: Innovation, Ethics, and Sustainability
Looking forward, Albert Dwumfour promised to focus on strengthening the institutional framework of the GJA.
His second term, he said, will focus on consolidation, innovation, and sustainability.
“We will champion media professionalism, uphold ethical standards, and promote public trust in the media,” he said.
Albert Dwumfour also took a moment to appreciate his campaign team, acknowledging their hard work and sacrifices in delivering another mandate.
New Executive Team
Joining Dwumfour in leading the GJA for the next four years are:
Rebecca Ekpe, Vice President (60.35%)
Dominic Hlordzi, General Secretary (64.20%)
Suleiman Mustapha, Organising Secretary (53.21%)
Zadok Kwame Gyesi, Public Affairs Officer (63.01%)
Bertha Badu-Agyei, Treasurer (58.28%)
The team is expected to collaborate closely with the president to drive the next phase of reforms and advocacy within the GJA.
