By Daniel Bampoe In a colourful ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre on Friday, July 11, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour was officially sworn in for a second term as President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), pledging to deepen media freedom, enhance journalist welfare, and consolidate the gains made during his first tenure.
The ceremony, attended by a cross-section of dignitaries including the Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, the Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and media stakeholders, marked a significant milestone in the Association’s renewed commitment to responsible journalism and institutional development.
Albert Dwumfour, who won a peaceful election on June 30, 2025—an election he contrasted sharply with the acrimonious and litigation-plagued 2022 GJA polls—used the occasion to reflect on past challenges while laying out a bold agenda for the future.
“The GJA was once marred by division and stagnation, but today we stand united and forward-looking,” Dwumfour told the packed auditorium. “Now begins the real work of transforming this Association into one that truly defends the interests and dignity of Ghanaian journalists.”
Building a Stronger GJA
Outlining his vision for the next three years, Dwumfour introduced a five-point strategic agenda focusing on:
Finalizing better working conditions for journalists, Comprehensive insurance and enhanced welfare support, Professional development through scholarships, Strengthening regional journalism structures, and, an unwavering commitment to press freedom and journalists’ safety.
He emphasized that the GJA will remain a strong advocate for journalists in the face of growing threats to media freedom, and pledged continued legal and institutional support for reporters facing attacks in the line of duty.
Journalists’ Safety: A National Concern
One of the most emotionally charged moments of Dwumfour’s address was his impassioned appeal for public and government support for Pius Asiedu Kwanin, a journalism student who sustained a gunshot wound during the 2020 elections while covering vote collation in the Ablekuma Central Constituency.
He revealed that Pius has undergone multiple surgeries, including hip bone grafts, and now requires a complex procedure in India costing $35,000.
Pius did not commit any crime—he was only doing his duty as a journalist,” Dwumfour stressed. “We call on government, philanthropists, and the entire media fraternity to help save his future.”
Dwumfour also criticized the seeming inertia by security agencies in prosecuting perpetrators of journalist attacks, accusing the police of being “quick to criminalize free speech” but “slow to investigate assaults on journalists.”
Capacity Building and Reform
Acknowledging the growing influence of technology, especially artificial intelligence, on journalism, Dwumfour pledged a strong focus on capacity building and continuous training.
He announced plans to review the GJA Constitution—last updated in 2004—to align with modern media realities. A Constitution Review Committee will soon be inaugurated to lead that process.
Institutional Support and Partnerships
Dwumfour thanked stakeholders who supported the Association’s recovery over the past three years, with special mention of the KGL Group’s Executive Chairman, Alex Apau Dadey, for sponsoring the production of GJA membership ID cards—one of the key reforms under the outgoing administration.
Outgoing executives Linda Asante Agyei (Vice President), Kofi Yeboah (General Secretary), and Audrey Dekalu (Treasurer) were honoured for their service and contribution to the association’s growth.
New Executives Sworn In
The newly elected GJA national executives sworn into office included:
Rebecca Ekpe – Vice President
Dominic Hlordzi – General Secretary
Suleiman Mustapha – Organizing Secretary
Bertha Badu-Agyei – Treasurer
Zadok Kwame Gyes – Public Affairs Officer
The swearing-in was conducted by the Acting Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, who had earlier delegated superior court judges across the country to officiate regional swearing-in ceremonies.
Vice President Calls for Responsible Journalism
Representing President John Mahama at the event, Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang lauded the GJA for its peaceful elections and urged the new leadership to uphold professionalism, unity, and truth in the fight against misinformation.
“At a time when public trust is strained and disinformation is widespread, the media must rise as the voice of reason and reliability,” she said. “This Association has the power to shape national policy through credible information.”
She called on the GJA to lead with integrity and play a strategic role in Ghana’s democratic development.
A United Front
The event drew participation from former GJA presidents, members of the diplomatic corps, chiefs, students of communication schools, and members of the media fraternity.
Albert Dwumfour ended his speech with a rallying call for unity:
“Though we’ve been elected to lead, the success of this Association is a shared responsibility. Let us all pick up the brick and mortar to build the GJA we envision.”
