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Tag: GJA

  • GJA President demonstrates compassion by supporting 2 orphanage homes

    GJA President demonstrates compassion by supporting 2 orphanage homes

    President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has made a substantial donation of items valued at over GHC80,000 to support two orphanage homes. This benevolent act reflects the GJA President’s commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of those in need.

    The two fortunate beneficiary homes, namely the Faith Needy Children’s Home in Awutu Bewuanum and the Countryside Children’s Welfare Home in Awutu Bawjiase, both situated in the Central Region, have received the substantial contributions from the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour.

    The items included boxes of Lufart antimalarials, cough syrup, paracetamol syrups, disinfectants, boxes of bathing soaps, toothpaste, and floor cleaners.

    Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has generously provided a diverse range of items to the Faith Needy Children’s Home and Countryside Children’s Welfare Home. The donation includes boxes of milk, washing powder, detergents, toiletries, sachets of water, gallons of cooking oil, drinks, bags of sugar, sanitary pads, rice, gari, maize, beans, tomato paste, and more.

    In addition to these essentials, the GJA President extended financial support by presenting GH¢5,000 to one home and GH¢6,200 to the other. These funds are earmarked to assist with additional expenses such as water and electricity bills, reinforcing the commitment to holistic support for the well-being of the orphanage homes.

    The GJA President explained that his kind gesture was in response to the biblical commandment that urges Christians to extend love and joy, particularly to those who are less fortunate, during the Christmas season.

    “We know that Christmas is a season of love because Christmas is a season of remembrance of the Saviour Jesus Christ. It (Christmas) is a time and period of the season where we all dine with families, and loved ones and also share whatever we have, put smiles on the faces of others,” Mr Dwumfour explained.

    Representatives of the beneficiary homes were eternally grateful to the GJA President for the donation and asked for God’s blessings upon his life.

    The Administrator of Countryside Children’s Welfare Home, Mr Ernest Osei Owusu gave the assurance that the items would be put to good use and thanked the GJA President for putting smiles on the faces of the orphans and the needy during the Christmas and New Year Festivities.

    Mrs Mary Acquah, Caretaker of Faith Needy Children’s Home, also heaped praises on the GJA President for the huge support and asked God’s blessings upon his life
    She added that the donation came at the right time as the children “will remember a special day like this.”

    The GJA President was accompanied by some executives of the association as well as some senior media professionals including Kobby Asmah, former Editor of the Daily Graphic and Member of the National Media Commission, Mr Gabriel Bosompem, former General Manager at Media General and member of the National Media Commission.

    Other volunteers including Media Personality and socialite, Adu Safoa also supported the GJA President during the exercise.

    Elder Donkor of the Hebron Prayer Camp also prayed for the two orphanage homes.

  • GJA asks NPP to sanction attackers of Cape FM Journalist 

    GJA asks NPP to sanction attackers of Cape FM Journalist 

    President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called on the New Patriotic Party (NPP) to promptly conduct an investigation and take disciplinary actions against those responsible for the assault on David Kobbena, a broadcast journalist at Cape FM.

    He further urged the Ghana Police Service to swiftly initiate an investigation into the incident and bring the perpetrators to justice.

    In a significant development, calls for accountability in the assault case of Cape FM broadcast journalist David Kobbena have escalated, with demands for the sanctioning of the police officer who extended the invitation to Kobbena prior to the attack. 

    The incident has sparked concerns about professional conduct within the law enforcement agency, prompting a heightened call for immediate action.

    On Thursday, December 28, 2023, some thugs, numbering about 15 and wearing a branded T-shirt of Mrs Mavis Hawa Koomson, the Member of Parliament for Awutu-Senya East, allegedly pounced on Mr Kobbena, a morning show host of Cape FM, and beat him mercilessly without provocation. 

    This was at the Central regional vetting of parliamentary aspirants of the NPP, held at the Regional Coordinating Council in Cape Coast. 

    According to reports, the thugs mistook him for another person they alleged had insulted the MP, also the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development.  

    Based on that mistaken identity, a man believed to be a police officer invited the unsuspecting David to a distance and sought to confirm that mistaken identity.  

    Mr Kobbena denied it and produced an ID Card of his media house as evidence to support his denial, however, in the process of doing so, someone slapped him from behind and other thugs joined in the assault, beating him mercilessly. 

    Mr Dwumfour said initial investigations by the GJA confirmed the incident. 

    “This is the height of impunity and we can no longer tolerate same. While condemning the attack on David unreservedly, we make the following demands. 

    “We hereby serve notice that if by close of Friday, January 12, 2024, these demands (sanctions) have not been met, we shall advise ourselves accordingly,” he said. 

    Mr Dwumfour said: “But as we have already served notice, we shall fight back with every weapon we can marshal in our industry to repel the attacks on journalists as we go into Election 2024. And we can assure the evil plotters and doers that they cannot fight the media and win.  

    “We want to assure the media fraternity that we shall continue to defend their interests at all costs. This year, we shall continue our campaign against the obnoxious law used for criminal prosecution of free speech. We know they would be used as part of the strategy to silence the media, but we shall resist them with all force,” he said. 

    r Dwumfour advised journalists to be extremely vigilant whilst discharging their duties and report any threat to their person to the police for the necessary action t

  • GJA pledges support for journalists in 2024 

    GJA pledges support for journalists in 2024 

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has reaffirmed its support to all journalists and media practitioners in the year 2024.

    In a poignant New Year’s message dated December 2, 2023, and signed by the President of the association, Albert Dwumfour, these sentiments were conveyed.

    He said, “Be assured that the GJA under the current leadership got your back in this New Year and beyond.”

    Dwumfour encouraged everyone to embrace 2024 with gratitude and enthusiasm, highlighting the importance of approaching the upcoming journey with a positive mindset.

    Dwumfour also extended warm greetings and well wishes and prayed for a year filled with success, joy, and significant moments.

    “As we welcome 2024 with joy and optimism, coupled with a fresh start, new beginnings, and endless possibilities, it is my prayer that this year be filled with success, happiness, and cherished moments,” he mentioned.

    He ended by saying, “Once again, I wish all Journalists/Media Practitioners a Happy and a Glorious New Year.”

  • Low salaries for Ghanaian journalists a major concern – Oppong-Nkrumah

    Low salaries for Ghanaian journalists a major concern – Oppong-Nkrumah

    The Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong-Nkrumah, has raised significant concerns regarding the inadequate salary and remuneration systems for journalists in Ghana.

    Addressing attendees at the second Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) dinner night in Accra on Thursday, Nkrumah emphasized that the problem of poor salaries played a pivotal role in Ghana’s low press freedom index in 2023.

    He urged media owners to prioritize fair compensation for journalists, noting that this is crucial for fostering confidence within the media sector.

    In his speech, Nkrumah highlighted the alarming findings of the World Press Freedom Index for 2023, indicating that Ghana’s ranking was significantly affected by the challenging economic conditions faced by journalists in the country.

    “If you look at the world press freedom index that was released in the year 2023, the single item that dragged Ghana down the most if you read the report in detail is the welfare and the economic conditions of journalists in Ghana.

    He underscored the harsh reality faced by many journalists, stating, “You and I who work in this industry know that there are many of our brothers and sisters who, at the end of the month, don’t get a salary. Many don’t even get their statutory payments made on their behalf by their employers.”

    Nkrumah also drew attention to the lack of necessary pension deductions for numerous journalists, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues within the industry.

    He called on journalists to focus on the welfare and economic conditions prevalent in their own profession, urging them to pay attention to these vital concerns.

    “There are many who don’t have the necessary pension deductions made and saved in a pension fund for them for the day when they are no longer in active service. These are issues that we as journalists when you talk about your employers won’t be happy with you, these are issues that we must pay attention to.

    “We like talking about the issues in other industries. But for once, let’s also pay attention to this issue in our industry,” he concluded.

  • Parliamentary press corps receives unexpected visit from president of GJA

    Parliamentary press corps receives unexpected visit from president of GJA

    On December 11, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, made an unexpected visit to the parliament press corps.

    During this surprise visit, he conveyed his appreciation for their dedicated efforts and commended them for their outstanding work.

    Assuming the GJA presidency in June 2022, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has been focused on improving working conditions and enhancing overall service conditions for journalists.

    His presence at parliament demonstrates his dedication to engaging directly with journalists and acknowledging their contributions.

    “This is one of the numerous visits; this is not the first and it won’t be the last. We promised that upon assumption, we are going to work together with journalists and press corps to make sure they get what is due to them, and work is discharged in an enabling environment. We came here on a working day to see how they are being catered for,” Dwumfour stated during his visit.

    GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour Urges Parliament Press Corps Executives to Promote Membership

    In addition, he urged the executives of the parliamentary press corps to ensure their members enroll in the GJA, underscoring the benefits of scholarships, capacity-building workshops, and other opportunities designed to enhance their skills.

    Dwumfour, a media consultant and Head of Corporate Affairs at the Tobinco Group of Companies, secured victory in the GJA presidential election.

    He emerged triumphant over notable competitors, including the Editor of the Ghanaian Times and former General Secretary of the GJA, Dave Agbenu, and Communications Consultant Gayhart Mensah.

  • GJA investigates Onua FM/TV-military high command case

    GJA investigates Onua FM/TV-military high command case

    The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) is currently investigating an alleged breach of journalism ethics by Onua FM/TV, prompted by a formal complaint from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF).

    The inquiry was initiated following an initial complaint from the National Media Commission (NMC) to the National Communications Authority (NCA), urging the suspension of Onua FM/TV’s authorization due to multiple ethical violations, as reported by classfmonline.

    The President of GJA, Albert Dwumfour, disclosed this information during a meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff in Accra.

    He said: “The military has petitioned GJA on some issues relating to Onua FM/TV, and we, the GJA, per the constitution of the association, chapters 40, 41 to 42, gives us the authority to refer such petitions to our ethics and disciplinary council.”

    “So, we have referred the complaints to our ethics and disciplinary council. We will wait for recommendations from the council on the petition. We will investigate; they know how to go about it,” he added.

    He further said: “These are experienced, veteran journalists. So, we don’t want to show them what to do. I believe that they will do the right thing, and once we receive the recommendations, the GJA will make our position known to the public as well as the military high command.”

  • Criticise our work objectively, avoid insults and falsehood – EC tells public

    Criticise our work objectively, avoid insults and falsehood – EC tells public

    The Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC), Mrs. Jean Mensa, has expressed a willingness to embrace public scrutiny and critique of the EC’s activities, particularly in the lead-up to the critical 2024 election.

    However, she emphasizes that such scrutiny should be characterized by objectivity and candor. Mrs. Mensa believes that this approach is crucial for maintaining national peace, security, and the continued health of the country’s democracy.

    “We at the EC are not above scrutiny. Scrutinise and critique our work as your role requires but do so with objectivity. Criticisms laced with insults and falsehood should be beneath you,” she told members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Sunday.

    This statement was delivered as a keynote address during the 27th GJAAwards ceremony, which took place at the Accra International Conference Centre. The event’s theme was “Harnessing Media Freedom to Safeguard the Democratic and Security Framework: Assessing the Integrity of the 2024 Election.”

    The Chairperson of the EC, Mrs. Jean Mensa, emphasized that the forthcoming 2024 Election carries significant importance, as its outcome has the potential to either enhance or jeopardize the nation’s peace and security.

    “We are partners in this quest to build our nation. We should put our nation first and work to ensure that irrespective of our political divide, our actions and activities inure to the benefit of our dear country.”

    Consequently, she urged the media to be well-informed about the intricate balance they need to maintain in order to protect Ghana’s democracy, peace, and unity.

    “The 2024 Election will be more than democratic exercise, it is the test of our nation’s resilience.”

    “As journalists, you’ll play a crucial role in building up that resilience. You’re the ears, eyes and hearts of the citizens,” she said.

    The role of journalists could either impact the nation positively or negatively, Mrs Mensa said, and called for the truth to be upheld at all times.

    “Ensure that your work goes beyond mere rhetoric to practising responsible journalism”, she admonished and acknowledged the pioneering role the media had played in shaping and shepherding the nation’s democracy over the years.

    The Chairperson of the EC strongly criticized certain media organizations for serving as conduits for disseminating propaganda, propagating false information, and thereby dividing the population along political party lines. She emphasized the need for the media to fulfill their duty by prioritizing transparency, truth, and accuracy.

    “Your work as journalists will impact positively or negatively on our dear nation. As the Fourth Estate, you’re not only facets of our democracy, you’re its bedrock, beacon of truth.”

    “You’re the guardians of transparency. You’re the vanguard for freedom, catalyst for informing and shaping public debate.”

    She pointed out that the National Media Commission should enforce rigorous adherence to media ethics and establish standards to uphold truth and respect, while taking punitive measures against those who violate the rules and regulations. In addition, she stressed the importance of citizens being discerning and consistently seeking the truth from the media.

    “The power of the pen is unmatched and, therefore, must always engage in fact-checking of every information received thoroughly to avoid misinforming the public.”

    In all, 34 awards were presented to journalists and media organisations for exceptional reporting and excellent work, with Mr Erasmus Asare Donkor, a Broadcast Journalist with Multimedia Group, being crowned the Journalist of the Year.

  • GJA affirms commitment to strengthening member capacity

    GJA affirms commitment to strengthening member capacity

    President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Dwumfour, has emphasised the association’s strong dedication to fostering professionalism among both practicing and aspiring journalists.

    “We will continue to initiate programmes and explore opportunities for the professional development of members. And as we make such effort, we also encourage our members to live above reproach and always maintain high professional standards,” he said 

    Mr Dwumfour addressed attendees during the recent inauguration of the GJA Campus Chapter at the University of Education, Winneba, last Friday. The event’s central focus was on the role of the Ghana Journalists Association in promoting professionalism within the field of journalism.

    “As journalists, our first obligation is to the truth and our first loyalty is to the citizens. It is only through good journalism that we can solve our societal problems. Therefore, the GJA will strive to empower its members to be independent, free and bold to serve the interest of citizens for our common good. It will also encourage professionalism and all times and push for zero tolerance for misinformation, fake news, misrepresentations, exaggerations, and stories that promote prejudices, misconceptions, hatred, violent conflicts, and defamation” he said

    According to him, journalism thrives on credibility, and young media professionals must practice the profession with integrity.

    “As we all know, journalism thrives on credibility, and to be considered a professional, a member of the media must possess the following characteristics: Integrity, upholding the ethics of journalism, Objectivity, Accuracy, Promoting development, and the need to upgrade oneself. The GJA always encourages young journalists to read more books and do more research to enrich their stories, features, documentaries, and general content,”

  • Safety of journalists should not be politicised – Deputy Information Minister

    Safety of journalists should not be politicised – Deputy Information Minister

    Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, has urged citizens to refrain from mistreating journalists and instead concentrate on using lawful avenues to handle concerns related to their profession.

    She shared these remarks while conversing with reporters during the sidelines of a roundtable event marking the one-year anniversary of the present administration of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA).

    She believes that the safety of journalists is a societal duty that should not be viewed solely as a political issue.

    She also emphasised the importance of public education in educating Ghanaians about the importance of ensuring the safety of journalists.

    “I look at the safety of journalists as the collective responsibility that all members of the Ghanaian society must be educated on. The issue is that when you look at the data of infringement that maybe the Media Foundation for West Africa and other stakeholders came out with, you can see that they vary from traditional communities to churches towards the football field and others and even security agencies.”

    “So, if we don’t sensitise the general public and look at the safety of journalists as more or less as a political problem, we will not get anywhere close to solving the problem we may not get anywhere close to resolving the problem. The most important thing has to do with education and letting the Ghanaian people know that if you don’t agree with somebody’s report it doesn’t mean you should threaten or go and harm the person. There are other avenues you can resort to in terms of seeking redress like reporting to the NMC or using other legitimate and legal processes to get have those issues resolved,” she stated.

    On his part, the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour speaking on the theme “current threads in Ghana’s media landscape” said the association was collaborating with various stakeholders to combat attacks on press freedom.

  • Media has played significant role in nat’l dev’t – Govt

    Media has played significant role in nat’l dev’t – Govt

    Government has expressed sincere gratitude for the media’s substantial contributions to the country’s growth.

    The government in a statement issued by Information Minister Kojo Oppong Nkrumah on the occasion of the World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday May 3 called for stronger emphasis on economic rights, considering the recent global challenges.

    This year’s World Press Freedom Day is on the theme ‘Shaping a Future of Rights: Freedom of Expression as a driver for all other human rights.”

    “The media has been instrumental over the years, in highlighting various rights that require attention for full enjoyment.

    “The work of the media also in highlighting instances of abuse of some rights by sections of society has led to redress in many instances. We urge the media to remain resolute on this path.

    “The quest to have all citizens fully access their economic rights is yet to achieve full effect especially as the world faces dim economic forecasts following recent global challenges.”

    “While urging the Media in Ghana to keep the spotlight on all human rights, we encourage an even sharper focus on efforts to ensure that the economic rights of citizens are fully actualized,” the statement said.

    Meanwhile, a former Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) president, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, has urged the media to prioritise the fight against illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, given the devastating impact the canker is having on the environment. 

    The Veteran Broadcaster made the call at an event held in commemoration of the International Press Freedom Day held on May 3, 2023, at the Ghana International Press Centre (GiPC) in Accra. 

    During her speech, she called on all media houses to join in the fight and ensure the menace is significantly brought to a halt.

    “I believe all media houses should continually highlight the challenges until the menace is brought to a minimum,” she said. 

    This comes on the back of recent revelations about how Ghana’s mining sector is being exploited.

    First, was a documentary aired by Al Jazeera dubbed “Gold Mafia.” It was revealed in this piece that gold worth $40 million is smuggled out of the country annually.

    Second is the leaked Inter-Ministerial Committee on Illegal Mining (IMCIM) report authored by Prof Kwabena Frimpong-Boateng that exposed a number of government officials as either being involved in galamsey or interfered in the galamsey fight during his tenure as chairman of the defunct Committee. 

    Madam Afenyi-Dadzie during the gathering acknowledged the media’s important role in highlighting the dangers. She, however, bemoaned how the fight has become tough due to ‘powerful’ figures engaged in the menace. That notwithstanding, she urged the media not to give up the fight. 

    “The media played and is still playing its role in raising concern about the dangers of galamsey which threatens our existence as a people. Subsequent developments have shown that the beneficiaries of galamsey are very powerful and will not easily give up irrespective of the danger to our water bodies and environment.

    “On this occasion, it is relevant to remind ourselves that based on the happenings we know now, the agenda to stop galamsey should be treated as a major existential threat that should go beyond the coalition that first highlighted the menace,” she added. 

    Galamsey’s impact on the environment

    Illegal Mining also known as galamsey over the years has had a devastating impact on communities where such activities go on. It is also destroying the country’s virgin forests and water bodies.  

    At a press briefing held at the Information Ministry on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, Chief Executive Officer of the Forestry Commission, John M. Allotey, stated that thirty-four (34) of the country’s forest reserves are under threat to illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey.

    Majority of these reserves under threat, he said, were in the Ashanti region.

    He noted that out of the 16 regions of the country, seven have been experiencing some form of illegal mining.

  • Election 2024: Media advised to carefully monitor social media

    Election 2024: Media advised to carefully monitor social media

    Ace Ghanaian broadcaster, Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, has entreated the media to partner relevant stakeholders to monitor the social media space, especially during the election period. 

    This, she said, is to ensure that social media is not used as a tool to propagate violence or disseminate misinformation in the country.  

    “It is true that most ideas generated in the public space are about sports, culture, fashion, gossip and commerce, etc. but we know for a fact, however, that in an election season, many more  will use social media to articulate their views on politics. 

    “We don’t need new laws to regulate social media but the GJA working with all the relevant stakeholders can monitor the public sphere and promote key ethical considerations for reflections,” she said. 

    She made the remark at an event held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in commemoration of International Press Freedom Day. 

    This year’s celebration was held on the theme: “Shaping a Future of Rights; Freedom of Expression, A Driver For all Human Rights for Ghana’s Development.”

    While acknowledging the important role social media plays in ensuring freedom of speech, she stressed on the need to ensure that the tool is not used to undermine the peace and stability in the country. 

    “Increasingly, social media has assumed prominence and high patronage in Ghana; a challenge that goes beyond the GJA and which must be of paramount interest to all of us,” she said.

    A communication platform such as social media is persuasive, and often works to change or influence opinions when it comes to political views because of the abundance of ideas, thoughts, and opinions circulating through the platform. It is also a tool that enhances free speech given its global accessibility. 

    In view of this, she entreated the media to find ways to deal with “the excesses of social media especially in approaching the election year.” 

  • Investigative journalists must never use money to lure subjects – Francisca Enchill

    Investigative journalists must never use money to lure subjects – Francisca Enchill

    Francisca Enchill, a multi-award-winning Ghanaian investigative journalist with Corruption Watch, has given her open opinion about entrapment.

    The reigning GJA best investigative and female journalist of the year averred that trapping people with money in an attempt to expose an officer of corruption is totally wrong.

    In an interaction with some student journalists at the Ringway campus of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) in Accra on Tuesday, Mrs Enchill said the best way to embark on an investigative report is by natural participation.

    “Professionally, investigative journalists are not supposed to use the entrapment method. Ideally, you need to use the natural participation method,” she noted.

    The author of the ‘Pay or Die’ investigative report explained that corrupt individuals will surely show their true colours even when they are not trapped.

    She stressed that the target may be facing some challenges at home, including an urgent situation for money which may compel the person to accept the bribe.

    “If I’m supposed to investigate an individual or an organisation, I don’t have to trap you with money; I need to let you show it willingly if indeed you are corrupt.

    “If you identify any person or an organisation which you want to investigate, you need to move to them in a natural way by participating, and if they are corrupt as you detected, they will show it to you, but it is totally wrong to trap them because they may be going through certain challenges at that time, including an urgent need for money, which they cannot reject at that time,” she explained.

    In response to another question on whether undercover journalists are free to break certain ethics in their line of work, Mrs Enchill responded affirmatively indicating that it’s for the benefit of the general public.

    “Investigative journalists are legally allowed to break certain rules because it is illegal to secretly videotape someone and publish or to invade their privacy, but our line of work permits us,” she asserted.

  • Assemblies of God meets GJA

    The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God, Ghana, Rev. Stephen Wengam, has commended the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for the work it is doing to build the Ghanaian society.

    The General Superintendent was speaking when he led members of the new leadership of the Church to pay a courtesy call on the Executives of the GJA in Accra.

    Rev Stephen Wengam shared the vision of the new leadership of Assemblies of God with the GJA Executive, stressing that the ‘The Transformation Agenda’, as the vision is tagged, shall serve the interest of both the church and society.

    He spoke extensively on Assemblies of God Ghana’s contribution to social enhancement in Ghana, mentioning the educational, health, political, spiritual and moral impacts of the church in Ghana.

    Assemblies of God meets GJA

    The General Superintendent acknowledged the GJA’s complimentary contribution to the spread of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in Ghana.

    The President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, commended the church and spoke highly of its importance in forging a peaceful and cohesive society.

    He pledged that he and his colleague executives shall use their position to advocate reforms in the society.

    Source: myjoyonline

  • President Akufo-Addo to grace GJA Dinner Night

    President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo will on Wednesday, December 21, attend the dinner night of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) as the Special Guest of Honour.

    The event will take place at the forecourt of the Ghana International Press Centre.

    “…All members of the GJA are to put their pens and microphones down on Wednesday night and come dine, wine and be fine at the Press Centre,” a statement signed by Mr Kofi Yeboah, the General Secretary, GJA, said.

    The event is to: “promote solidarity and camaraderie among members of the inky fraternity after a hard year’s work.”

    Upon assumption of office in June 2022, the National Executives of the GJA decided to decouple the Annual GJA Media Awards/ Dinner Night, with the Media Awards being organised separately from the Dinner Night, it said.

    Other prominent personalities to grace the occassion include ministers of state, members of Parliament, members of the diplomatic corps and media partners, who would be treated to good music by the Ghana Police Band.

    The GJA Media Awards was held at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, this year, on November 12.

    Source: GNA

  • GJA to revoke membership of journalists who do not pay their dues by January 2023

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has entreated its members to pay their membership dues for 2022 by January 15, 2023.

    Payment of dues may be lodged into the GJA bank account with the National Investment Bank, Osu branch with the account name, Ghana Journalists Association and account number; 1112037799401.

    Members may also pay dues directly at the Accounts Office at the Ghana International Press Centre.

    In a statement to notify members, signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Kofi Yeboah, the GJA said its constitution mandates it to publish names of members who fail to pay their dues by the first quarter of each year after they have been given a thirty-day notice.

    The statement added that “Article 12(b) also provides: Any member who does not pay membership dues by the end of the financial year, and fails to pay after 30 days notice by the General Secretary shall lose his/her membership, subject to re-application”.

    GJA urges members to pay 2022 dues by January 2023

    The Association has also granted a moratorium to members who have not paid their dues for a year or more or may have lost their membership status to clear their arrears by January 15 next year so they can regularise their membership status.

    Members who pay their dues are required to present the pay-in-slip to the Finance Office at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra for receipt covering payment.

    Per Article 9 of the GJA Constitution, “members who have paid their dues regularly for the past ten years and are sixty-five (65) years and above” are exempted from payment of dues.

  • Apologise for your ‘unsavory’ comments against female sports presenters – GJA tells Captain Smart

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has demanded an unqualified apology from Blessed Godsbrain Smart popularly known as Captain Smart for his ‘disreputable’ comments against female sports presenters.

    “The Ghana Journalists Association demands an unqualified apology from Captain Smart for making unsavoury comments against female television sports presenters,” GJA said.

    Captain Smart on his morning show on Accra-based Onua FM/TV and social media platforms allegedly accused female sports presenters of “chopping” players of the senior national men’s football team, the Black Stars.

    “GFA must stop all-female TV presenters from following the Black Stars. In fact they “chop” the guys too much.” he tweeted after the Black Stars lost their last group stage game against Uruguay.

    Apologise for your 'unsavory' comments against female sports presenters - GJA tells Captain Smart

    The GJA in its statement believes his comments are unprofessional and against the code of ethics of the Association.

    “Indeed, we find the comments by Captain Smart sorely sexist, utterly unprofessional, grossly reprehensible, highly repugnant, and extremely offensive to ethical and professional standards.

    “Article 6 of the GJA Code of Ethics 2017 provides that “A journalist recognizes the public’s right to fair, unbiased, accurate, accurate, balanced and comprehensive information.”

    The statement added that the Association cherished the professional integrity and hard work of its female journalists which has yielded many works of positive impact.

    GJA, therefore, called upon the Management of Media General to call Captain Smart to professional order in order not to put the positive image of the media institution into disrepute.

    “No amount of derogatory comments, even from within the Media General stable, will lower our estimation and celebration of our fine female journalists,” GJA noted.

    Source: Myjoyonline

  • Cristiano Ronaldo says he feels ‘betrayed’ by Man U, has ‘no respect’ for manager

    Cristiano Ronaldo criticized his own club, Manchester United, and its manager Erik ten Hag in excerpts from an upcoming interview with Piers Morgan.

    News of the interview surfaced shortly after United’s 2-1 victory over Fulham over the weekend, their final game before the Premier League enters a weeks-long hiatus for the 2022 World Cup.

    “I don’t have respect for him because he doesn’t show respect for me,” Ronaldo said, per ESPN, of ten Hag, who demoted him for a meeting he took with Chelsea after he allegedly refused to come in as a substitute against Tottenham and was seen walking into the locker room before the match concluded.

    “If you don’t have respect for me, I’m never gonna have respect for you,” he added.

    Ronaldo issued an apology for his actions on Instagram, writing, “This is Manchester United, and united we must stand. Soon we’ll be together again.”

    The superstar claims United wanted him to leave, despite a report alleging the 37-year-old striker wanted to play in the Champions League, given his few remaining years. “Manchester United tried to force me out,” he told Morgan.

    “Not only the manager, but the other two or three guys who are around the club [at the senior executive level]. I felt betrayed,” Ronaldo continued. “I don’t care, people should listen to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed. I feel that some people didn’t want me here, not only this year but last season too”

    Ronaldo explained decided to join United last year, even though he “never heard of” former manager Ralf Rangnick because Sir Alex Ferguson convinced him that he could not join rival Manchester City.

    According to the Portuguese striker, he has little confidence in his current team. “The progress was zero,” he said. “Since Sir Alex left, I saw no evolution in the club. Nothing had changed. He [Ferguson] knows better than anybody that the club is not on the path they deserve to be.”

    “He knows. Everyone knows. The people who don’t see that. It’s because they don’t want to see; they are blind,” he continued.

    Speaking of transfer windows, it’s almost certain that United will look to ship out Ronaldo when the next one arrives in January.

    Source: Complex.com

  • Parliament hails work of journalists in nation building

    Members of Parliament (MPs) on Wednesday took turns to hail the role of journalists in nation building.

    Mr Akwasi Konadu, the MP for Manhyia North, who presented a statement on the floor of the House to mark “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists”, entreated the House to help in any way possible to ensure that media practitioners go about their duties without fear or favour.

    This, he said, could be achieved by ensuring the safety and security of media practitioners and giving them all the necessary support to do their jobs.

    He urged the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) not to relent in its pursuit of justice for all journalists who had suffered any form of injustice in their line of duties.

    He also appealed to the Police to ensure that the killers of Mr Ahmed Hussein-Suale, an investigative journalist and Mr Samuel Kwanena Ennin, the Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GJA, were brought to book.

    “Parliament, we also want to assure all media practitioners that we stand shoulder to shoulder with them,” Mr Konadu said.

    The United Nations General Assembly in 2013 set aside November 2, as the “International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists” to condemn attacks and violence against journalists.

    Contributing to the presentation, Mr Osei Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu, Majority Leader, said the National Media Commission that was charged to regulate the conduct of media practitioners captured under Article 167 of the 1992 Constitution was to promote and ensure the freedom and independence of the media for mass communication or information.

    To take all appropriate measures to ensure the establishment and maintenance of the highest journalistic standards in the mass media, including the investigation, mediation and settlement of complaints made against or by the press or other mass media and to insulate the state-owned media from governmental control.

    “Mr, Speaker, the Media Commission, regardless of their intention, they are toothless in trying to call media practitioners who to astray to order,” Mr Kyei-Mensah-Bonsu said.

    “Mr Speaker, we need the media, but the media should not otherwise assume positions that are abhorrent to our society.”

    Mr Haruna Iddrisu, Minority Leader, said the Day provided journalists an opportunity to evaluate their own performance and to their contributions to Ghana’s functional democracy.

    He lauded the contributions of journalists in their collective efforts for Ghana to attain the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    “But Mr Speaker, as reported by the UN Secretary General, some 70 journalists have been killed this year in the course of their work and in the course of their duty of contributing to a more enlightening world,” Mr Iddrisu stated.

    He said they were demanding Justice for the killing of Ahmed Husein-Suale and urged nvestigative or prosecutorial body handing the matter to discharge the responsibility with some credibility to give assurance to practicing journalists that they would not just wither away their lives in their services without support or compensation for their family.

    “It is important that we celebrate and commend the Ghana Journalists Association and to urge them, what we need is the commitment of Government to continue to respect those freedoms,” he said.

    He said Ghana still needed a new broadcasting law to regulate broadcasting generally.

    Mr Samuel Atta Akyea, the MP for Abuakwa South, in his submission, said, as a legal practitioner, he had had to represent some people in the courts of law, who were defamed by certain media publications.

    He noted that when someone’s hard won reputation was defamed through the publication of the journalist, it was difficult repairing, especially when it was carried on the internet.

    “In trying to fly your story to make some money, be careful of the reputation of others, because money cannot buy the reputation of someone,” Mr Atta Akyea said.

    Dr Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, MP for Wa Central, urged Ghanaians to hold journalists in high esteem and not to look at them with disrespect.

    He said Ghana was seen as an oasis of peace in the subregion, and that Ghanaians should ensure to handle journalists with pride; saying that journalists would be comfortable in doing their jobs, and that Ghana could be a source of inspiration for other nations.

    Source: GNA

  • Buipewura Jinapor II to chair 2021 Northern GJA awards

    Paramount Chief of the Buipe Traditional Area Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor II has been chosen by the Northern Region executives of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) to chair the 2021 edition of the Association’s regional awards.

    According to the executives, the decision to settle on him was necessitated by his recognition of the media as a tool for development.

    “Jira, we have monitored your countless engagement with the media over the years and as a partner in development, we couldn’t have settled on a better person than you to chair our awards this year,” regional Chairman of the Association Yakubu Abdul Majeed told him.

    Mr Abdul Majeed eulogized the chief for his commitment to peace not only in the Savannah Region, where he is based, but throughout the three regions of the north.

    “Jira, your commitment to peace which is a panacea for development is overwhelming,” he added.

    For his part, Buipewura Jinapor II accepted to chair the occasion.

    He promised to secure funds for the awards and also made some personal pledge of a bull, rice and an undisclosed amount of money.

    “There are a lot of prominent people in the northern enclave and so settling on me is a privilege which I need to honor.

    “I love the media and what they do because without the media we can’t develop and so any development-oriented ruler will have to by all means work with the media.”

    He admonished the media in the north to use their work and space to project the regions.

    “We are lagging behind in everything and we can only catch up with the south if you concentrate on stories that will project the regions of the north in a positive light to attract investors.

    “We have the human and natural resources but we are unable to turn them around because of the perception people have about us. You can change that to positivity.”

    The 2021 Northern GJA awards is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 in Tamale.

     

  • Journalist Support Fund to be launched in October – GJA

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will launch one of its flagship programmes, the Journalists Support Fund, in the first week of October 2022.

    President of the Association, Mr Kwabena Dwumfour, disclosed this during a courtesy call to the Managing Director of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) on Thursday, September 15, 2022, in Accra.

    He explained that the Fund’s main goal is to aid in the pursuit of justice for journalists who have been assaulted in some way while on the job.

    “In the past, we realized that when journalists are attacked and assaulted, or when their security and safety are threatened, and whenever they are attacked, all we (GJA) do is issue press statements and hold press conferences but we always leave it there,” Mr Dwumfour said.

    “There are numerous situations that have now gained disrepute because we are unaware of them and because we don’t appear to have finished our investigations into assault cases, particularly those involving journalists,” he added.

    According to the GJA President, resources will be drawn from the fund to assemble a legal team to defend journalists when necessary.

    Assaulted Journalists

    Ahmed Hussein-Suale, a Ghanaian investigative journalist who had worked with the BBC, was shot dead near his family home in Accra on January 16, 2019. Authorities believe he was assassinated because of his work.

    Caleb Kudah was arrested and physically assaulted for filming abandoned vehicles obtained by MASLOC and parked at the Ministry for several years. On March 27, 2018, one of Ghana’s budding and fearless journalists, Latif Idris, was brutally beaten to near death at the headquarters of the Ghana Police Service. Meanwhile, the GJA is embarking on a rebranding agenda. As part of measures put in place, the Association will change the look and feel of the secretariat, which is the Ghana Press Centre.

    Source: The Independent Ghana

  • Journalist secures injunction against swearing-in of new GJA president

    A member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has filed an application for an injunction seeking to halt newly-elected GJA President, Albert Dwumfuor from being sworn in.

    In the suit, Justice Lee Adoboe contends that the bribery allegations levelled against Mr. Dwumfuor should have been investigated before the elections were held.

    The injunction was served to the officials of the GJA on Wednesday, a day before the swearing-in of the newly elected executives.

    Speaking to Citi News, Justice Lee Adoboe said he is praying the court to declare the election of Albert Dwumfuor as GJA President null and void.

    “We are going to lay our facts bare before the court the reasons we want the elections to be annulled. The swearing-in has been injuncted by the High court and investigations are being conducted into the allegations for the public to be made aware of the findings, and then we move forward from there.”

    Albert Kwabena Dwumfour was elected the new GJA President, on Friday, June 24, 2022.

    The media consultant and Head of Corporate Affairs at the Tobinco Group of Companies fended off competition from the Editor of the Ghanaian Times and former General Secretary of the GJA, Dave Agbenu and a Communications Consultant, Gayhart Mensah.

    While Albert Dwumfuor polled 233 votes, Gayheart Mensah got 181 votes and Dave Agbenu had 142 votes.

    Over 800 members of GJA voted to elect the new national and regional executives last week.

     

    Source: Citinews

  • GJA Elections Committee Chairman resigns 3 days to election

    The Chairman of the Elections Committee of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has resigned barely three days to the national executive elections.

    Osei Kwadwo Adow Esq. announced his resignation on Monday, June 20 through a letter to the outgone President of the Association, Roland Affail Monney.

    In the letter, Osei Kwadwo Adow Esq. said “my reasons are personal”.

    Meanwhile, Roland Affail Monney has told JoyNews that the Chairman has been asked through a letter to resume his position as the date for the election is near.

    “The decision by Lawyer Osei Kwadwo Adow Esq. to resign has come close to the election and the implications will be dire if he goes ahead with the resignation.

    “We were compelled by reality to persuade him to rescind his decision and I am inclined to believe that Lawyer Osei Kwadwo will come back and resume his position as Chairman of the Elections Committee,” he said.

    Dr. Monney added that after personally contacting the resigned chairman, he is convinced the latter will resume his position as the Chairman of the Elections Committee.

    However, Lawyer Osei Kwadwo Adow told JoyNews that he has not yet received any letter requesting him to rescind his decision.

    The GJA Elections Committee in May announced that the long awaited national and regional elections will be held simultaneously on Friday, June 24, 2022, at all designated polling centres across the country.

    A press release issued by the Association said the finalisation of the election date follows the successful resolution of petitions submitted before the GJA Elections Adjudication Committee (EDAC).

    Aspirants for the Presidential position are; Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor of Atinka Media Village, Gayheart Mensah, a Media Consultant and Dave Agbenu, Editor of Ghanaian Times.

    Linda Asante-Agyei of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) is the only candidate for the Vice Presidential position.

    Audrey Dekalu of the GNA is contesting for the position of a Treasurer, Kofi Yeboah and Akwasi Agyeman of the Multimedia Group are vying for the position of the General Secretary.

    For the position of the Organising Secretary, Mary Mensah, the Foreign Editor of the Graphic Communications Group Limited and Dominic Hlordze of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation are the aspirants.

    Rebecca Ekpe of the GBC and Caesar Abagali of the GNA are the candidates for the Public Affairs position.

  • GJA mourns departed journalist

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) branch in the Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo regions is mourning the passing of “colleague, brother, and friend” Richard Kwaku Agyei.

    The journalist with Service Radio in Sunyani, Richard Kwaku Agyei, died on Friday, October 29.

    “We wish to express our utmost sadness and pain in the untimely passing of our colleague, brother, and friend, Richard Kwaku Agyei,” began a statement signed by regional chairman Larry Paa Qwesi Moses.

    “We however take consolation in the fact that Kwaku was a player on the theatre stage and after playing his part admirably will be heard of no more, but his memory will linger on.

    “We console the management and staff of Service radio, as well as the family of our fallen comrade and give the fullest assurance that executives and members of Ghana Journalists Association in the three regions (Bono, Bono East, and Ahafo) will fully participate in all ceremonies to give Richard Kwaku Adjei a befitting farewell to the other world.”

    Source: 3news.com

  • David Agbenu promises Hall of Fame as GJA campaign heats up

    The Editor of the Ghanaian Times, David Agbenu, who is aspiring for the Presidency of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has said that the unionisation of the Association would be among his priorities when given the nod.  

    He gave the assurance when he met with members of the Volta Chapter of the GJA in Ho on Monday, May 24.  

    The unionisation, he explained, was vital for improving the working conditions of journalists and also protecting their well being.  

    Apart from that, Mr Agbenu said that under his leadership, project officers would be appointed in the regions to supervise various lucrative businesses of GJA in order to earn more income for the Association and improve a lot of the members.  
    “We will embark on vigorous moves to seek sponsorship for the projects to strengthen the financial base of the septuagenarian association,” he added.

    Mr Agbenu, who served for 12 years as an Executive of the GJA, affirmed that the welfare of journalists was high on his agenda and that special funds would be set up for that purpose.  

    Meanwhile, he stated that the funds would benefit retiring journalist for a few years after leaving the job, and also help those who may lose their job unexpectedly.

    The editor said that the funds would also cater for the health needs of members of the Association.  

    Mr Agbenu stated that great zeal and resources would be committed to the training and re-training of journalists to ensure high standards and sterling professionalism in the media landscape.

    He announced plans to establish a hall of fame of journalists who had distinguished themselves in their years of services and a library to preserve the history of journalism in Ghana.

    Mr Agbenu urged members of the GJA to maintain a united front at all times to avoid possible manipulation of the association by other individuals and groups of parochial interests.  

    Source: 3news.com

  • GJA Elections: Filing of nominations ends

    Filing of nominations for various executive positions for the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) ended by the close of work on Tuesday, May 4, 2021.

    Those who filed for the presidency are; Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor of Atinka Media Village, Mr Gayheart Mensah, a Media Consultant and Mr Dave Agbenu of the New Times Corporation.

    Mrs Linda Asante-Agyei of the Ghana News Agency (GNA), filed for the position of Vice President, while Mrs Audrey Dekalu, also of the GNA, filed for the position of Treasurer.

    Others are: Mr Kofi Yeboah-General Secretary, Mr Akwasi Agyeman of the Multimedia Group-General Secretary, Ms Mary Mensah of the Graphic Communications Group Limited-Organising Secretary, Mr Dominic Hlordze of GBC, Organising Secretary and Mrs Rebecca Ekpe of GBC, and Caesar Abagali of Ghana News Agency, both for Public Affairs Officer

    Mr Peter Agbeko, a member and Secretary of the GJA Elections Committee, received the nomination forms on behalf of the Committee and wished the aspirants good luck, while entreating them to prepare for vetting.

    Nominations for the elections commenced on Tuesday, April 13, 2021. The candidates promised to conduct their campaigns peacefully and transform the fortunes of the Association if voted into office.

    Aspirants for regional positions also filed nominations in regions across the country.

    Source: GNA

  • Judicial threats to media houses defy logic – GJA

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) says it is plainly of the view that the threats by the Judicial Service against the media defy logic.

    It is the case of the GJA that the notice served media houses is tantamount to an unwarranted assault on all the tenets of freedom of speech and freedom of the media as guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution.

    The Judicial Service of Ghana, through its lawyers Sory@Law, last week wrote to media houses that have published “hateful, spiteful, vengeful and incendiary” comments about the Justices of the Supreme Court hearing the election petition of former President John Mahama, to “pull or cause to be pulled down and cleared from your platforms”, all such statements and speeches.

    The notice also demanded that those media houses, as well as all others, “prevent the publication of such statements and speeches on your platforms”, and “forthwith, exercise the highest level of discernment, discretion and responsibility insofar as the publication of statements and speeches regarding the administration of justice is concerned”.

    But reacting at a press conference today, Monday, March 1, 2021, the GJA President Affail Monney said if the statement from the judiciary is not reversed, it will provoke a tsunamic backlash of the court.

    ”If not reversed immediately, the ill-advised, ill-timed, ill-crafted and ill-issued statement by the Judiciary can provoke a tsunamic backlash, lower the dignity of the court in the eyes of freedom lovers and critical citizens, pollute the media environment, undermine our impressive media rankings globally and dim the beacon of our democracy.”

    Read the full statement below

    STATEMENT BY GJA PRESIDENT, AFFAIL MONNEY, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD AT THE GHANA INTERNATIONAL PRESS CENTRE ON MONDAY, MARCH 1, 2021, IN REACTION TO THREATS AGAINST THE MEDIA BY THE JUDICIAL SERVICE

    Good morning, members of the GJA National Executive, our distinguished menbers, ladies and gentlemen. A special welcome to senior members and veterans of our profession who have joined us at the Ghana International Press Centre, the citadel of press freedom and free expression as well as a bastion of our democracy.

    This hurriedly convened press conference has been triggered by a statement by the Judicial Service in which it ordered the media to “ immediately pull down “ from their platforms “ statements and speeches which convey, and/or insinuate hateful, spiteful, vengeful, incendiary communication against justices of the Supreme Court, especially, those hearing the election petition.

    Furthermore, the media must prevent the publication of such statements and speeches. The Judicial Service then threatened to take , what it called , “ appropriate action to ensure that the media do not abuse the right to free speech.” Ladies and gentlemen of the media. The GJA is, to put it mildly, dumbstruck in reading this obnoxious directive pregnant with insidious threats to media freedom in Ghana which is touted as a land of freedom and justice. With all due respect, this is scandalous. Unsurprisingly, our telephones have been flooded with calls, both local and international , from journalists, media watch organisations, defenders of press freedom and free expression, seeking to know what exactly was happening since that contentious statement by the Judicial Service was issued.

    It is universally acknowledged that media right is not absolute, but qualified. And legal experts teach us that such qualification must chime with the dictates of the law, due process, and must be exercised in such ways as to achieve legitimate aims and objectives. In crafting the scandalous statement, the GJA is principally of the view that the Judicial Service ought to have avoided any impression or situation that has the tendency to instill fear and promote a culture of silence into which Ghana had been enveloped during the period of autocratic misrule.

    Criticism , they say , is a gift which all arms of government need. So it will be miscarriage of fairness to deny the Judiciary that gift. Ann Landers once said “ the naked truth is better than a well dressed lie. “ Contextually, the naked truth is that the Judicial is not immune from criticism. However, that criticism must be done in a manner that does not bring the administration of justice into disrepute. To this end, the GJA urges the media community to be calm , and not to be led into temptation to scandalize the court with unhinged comments or verbal stones , no matter how provocative the statement of the Judicial Service might be.

    The GJA will like to remind its members that far from acting on the basis of any threat or intimidation to “immediately pull down” from their platforms as requested, the media should rather act in the spirit of the GJA Code of Ethics that says “A journalist corrects inaccuracies and mistakes at the earliest opportunity and offers a chance for a rejoinder and/or an apology as appropriate”.

    It is lodged in our memory that the Judiciary has the power to commit any erring journalist or media house for contempt, using of course, acceptable protocols, and appropriate mechanisms . What they should not consider at all in this context is any unprecedented or antiquated method which smacks of censorship, intimidation, or resuscitation of the culture of silence which can spell unthinkable socio- political consequences .

    The GJA is plainly of the view that the threats by the Judicial Service against the media defy logic and are tantamount to an unwarranted assault on all the tenets of freedom of speech and freedom of the media as guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution.

    If not reversed immediately, the ill-advised, ill-timed, ill- crafted and ill- issued statement by the Judiciary can provoke a tsunamic backlash, lower the dignity of the court in the eyes of freedom lovers and critical citizens, pollute the media environment, undermine our impressive media rankings globally and dim the beacon of our democracy.

    Long Live Media Freedom Long Live Media Independence Long Live Ghana.

    Source: rainbownradioonline.com

  • GhanaWeb journalists traumatised after attack at NDC Headquarters

    Two GhanaWeb staff who were attacked by irate National Democratic Congress supporters at the party’s headquarters on Wednesday, December 9, 2020, have been left traumatised.

    The supporters attacked Laud Adu-Asare who is Head of Political Desk and Sandra Obiribea, a videographer, at the party’s premises in the course of covering a scheduled press conference by the party executives.

    A distressed Laud Adu-Asare had his shirt and media jacket torn with bruises on his left arm from the assault while Sandra also escaped a knife attack.

    “Let’s kill her, lets beat her. You the media caused all this. This keeps ringing a bell anytime I am left alone. Though my family and company have been supportive, I still can’t shake off the nightmare I experienced,” a distraught Sandra said.

    The two have undergone medical treatment and are helping with police investigation. They are also scheduled to receive psychological help.

    Company equipment including tripod and identification cards were also stolen as a result of the attack by the irate supporters.

    The NDC has not reacted to the attack on the GhanaWeb journalists. However, GhanaWeb maintains its decision to withdraw from covering NDC events until steps are taken by the party to avoid any further occurrences.

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • Stop declaring election results, its not your job GJA warns media houses

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has cautioned all media houses to refrain from declaring the results of the just-ended general elections held on Monday, December 7, 2020.

    The Association reminded the media that the declaration of the election results is a constitutional mandate assigned to only the Electoral Commission (EC).

    In a press release signed by the GJA President, Affail Monney, it noted that the media can only report certified results by the EC as well as make projections but do not have the power to adjudge any political party the winner in the presidential race.

    The release stressed that “as the nation awaits the result declaration by the EC and as the two leading political parties make claims and counterclaims, the GJA urges the media to use their platforms to cool down tension and calm the nerves of Ghanaians. The GJA believes at this critical moment, the media must play a constructive role rather than inflame passion or act in an untoward manner that may lead to the disturbance of the peace.”

    “After the declaration of the results, the media must focus on and promote the acceptance of the results by all and the need to foster national security. These are the charges the media have to keep and they must not dare not fail the nation.”

    This warning comes after some media conglomerates declared NPP’s Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as the winner of the presidential race.

    .

    Source: www.ghanaweb.com

  • GJA institutes insurance packages for journalists ahead of December polls

    Ahead of the December 2020 general elections, the Ghana Journalism Association says that it has partnered with SIC Company to provide insurance to some 500 of its members.

    The Association says that the insurance is to cater for any unfortunate circumstance that journalists may find themselves in during the elections.

    Vice-President of the GJA, Linda Asante Agyei, announced this in an interview with UniversNews.

    “GJA, in collaboration with the SIC, has instituted an insurance package for 500 members who will be covering election this year. In terms of anything that will happen to you in line of duty, probably you might be beaten or you could lose your equipment, it could be a phone or a camera, the insurance package will cover for that,” she said.

    The insurance which spans November 1, 2020, to January 31, 2021, provides each beneficiary with up to GH¢40,000 indemnity against death and permanent disability.

    In the event of death, the dependents of the journalist would be given GH¢40,000 lump sum and monthly payments of GH¢3,300 for up to 12 months, while in the case of permanent disability, the journalist will receive both the lump sum and monthly payments.

    Madam Agyei also expressed concern over the rate at which journalists were assaulted by security agencies or political actors.

    She mentioned that efforts were still being made by the Association to reduce the occurrence of such happenings.

    She also advised journalists to ensure that they are objective in their reportage at all times.

    “In practising journalism, safety should be paramount, you need to live to tell the story but not us telling your story, safety is something that should be key to us and we need to take our safety precautionary measures when reporting during thing like pride, demonstrations and what have you,” she noted.

    Source: universnewsroom.com

  • GJA cautions against sensationalism, irredentism and chaos

    The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) has cautioned journalists not to promote sensationalism, irredentism and chaos.

    It said while respecting the rights of Ghanaians to express their inalienable rights and legitimate concerns, the media must be mindful of the constitutional order and desist from reportage that undermines the sovereignty of Ghana and threatens security as the December elections approaches

    In a press release signed by Mr. Rolland Affail Monney, President of the association and made available to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra on Monday, said media coverage and analysis of acts of criminality by the Homeland Study group should not promote sensationalism and irredentism.

    “The GJA is aware that there are historic antecedents to the current agitations that stem from the 1956 United Nations plebiscite which created a unitary Ghana,” it said.

    It said as far as the GJA is concerned , apart from the 16 recognized regions that constitute the republic of Ghana, namely ; Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Bono East, Ahafo, Central, Eastern , Greater Accra, Northern , Savannah , North East, Upper East, Upper West, Volta, Oti, Western and Western North, there is no part of Ghana called Western Togoland.

    It urged the leadership of the various political parties and stakeholders to cooperate and facilitate a resolution to the agitation.

    Source: GNA

  • GJA to hold elections on November 13

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has scheduled Friday, November 13, 2020 for its general elections to elect new national and regional executives.

    The GJA held its last elections on Friday, September 29, 2017, where the new executives were inaugurated into office on Friday, November 17, 2017.
    The three-year tenure of the current national and regional executives, therefore, expires on Tuesday, November 17, 2020.

    A statement from the GJA signed by its General Secretary, Mr Kofi Yeboah, and copied to the Ghana News Agency, said the new national and regional executives who would be elected into office would steer the affairs of the Association for the next three years.

    At the national level, it said, nominations would be opened for the positions of President, Vice President, General Secretary, National Organising Secretary, Treasurer and Public Affairs Officer.

    At the regional level, elections would be held in all the 16 regions and nominations would be opened for the positions of Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

    Meanwhile, a three-member Elections Committee chaired by Mr Osei Kwadwo, a private legal practitioner and lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), had been appointed to conduct and supervise the elections.

    The other members are Madam Doris Kuwornu, the Vice President of the Ghana Association of Writers (GAW) and Mr Peter Agbeko, the Head of Public Relations of the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA).

    The statement said a three-member Election Dispute Adjudication Committee (EDAC) had been appointed with Madam Marian Kyei, a private legal practitioner and media consultant as the Chairperson.

    The other members are Mr Tanko Zakaria, a private legal practitioner and lecturer at the GIJ, and Madam Sylvia Annoh, the acting Director of Public Affairs of the Electoral Commission.

    In line with the elections, September 30, 2020 has been set as the cut-off date for members in good standing who would be eligible to vote.

    Source: GNA

  • GJA invites journalists to register for special voting

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has invited journalists who may not vote on Election Day due to work, to register for Special or Early Voting.

    The association said such persons should send their “name, Voter ID number, Code on ID card and their polling station” to the Ghana International Press Centre by October 10, 2020.

    The association in a press release to the Ghana News Agency said: “Regulation 23, sub-regulation 2(a) of C. I. 94 states that the application for Special Voting shall be made no later than 42 days before polling day in the constituency of the applicant.

    “Journalists who want to benefit from this provision should, therefore, send their particulars to the GJA before the October 10 deadline to enable the EC to process their applications for Special Voting.”

    Source: GNA

  • Special voting: Submit details before Oct 10 – GJA to journalists

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has requested all journalists whose duties may not allow them to vote on Election Day at the polling stations they registered but wish to take advantage of the special or early voting opportunity, to send their details to the Ghana International Press Centre by 10 October 2020.

    The GJA is requesting the following details:

    1. Name

    2. Voter ID Number

    3. Code on ID Card

    4. Polling Station

    Regulation 23, sub-regulation 2(a) of C. I. 94 states that the application for Special Voting shall be made no later than 42 days before polling day in the constituency of the applicant.

    The GJA, in a statement, said journalists who want to benefit from this provision should, therefore, send their particulars to the Association before the October 10 deadline to enable the EC to process their applications for special voting.

    Source: Class FM

  • Suspend channel reduction directive to media houses GJA urges Communications Ministry

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged the Communications Ministry to suspend a directive to the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) and private broadcaster, Crystal Television demanding a reduction in their channels on the Digital Terrestrial Television platform.

    According to the sector Minster, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the move which would see GBC and Crystal Television lose three and one channels respectively, is to ensure there is enough “redundancy on the national Digital Terrestrial Television platform which is currently at full capacity.”

    However, in a statement copied to JoyNews, the GJA expressed concern about the directive.

    President, Affail Monney said the directive, if complied with will significantly impact on the operations of the GBC and amount to interference by government in the work of the state owned media.

    Describing the directive as being against Chapter 12 of the 1992 Constitution, Mr Monney said it also has the practical effect of curtailing the broadcasts of GBC will lead to dome of its content or programmes going off the air.

    “GJA demands that the directive by the Ministry of Communications to GBC and other media houses on their channels on the DTT platform be suspended immediately.

    “The NMC as well as broadcasters, both in the public and private sectors, should be brought into any discussions on the arrangements on the use of the DTT platform.  And these discussions should not just be in the form of a meeting for one stakeholder to give directives to the other,” the statement said.

    The GJA believes the actions thinks the actions of a Minister of State with respect to a critical national media infrastructure cannot and should not be placed on the same level as that of private business transactions.

    It added that the directive by the Communications Minister has “the potential of curtailing the operations of media houses, particularly a state owned media, which the Constitution has specifically asked to be insulated from governmental control by a constitutional body.”

    The Association believes the long term solution to this and any other issues confronting the highly sensitive media industry is for Ghana to attach utmost urgency to the enactment of a broadcasting law.

    Meanwhile, GBC has written to the National Media Commission (NMC) to intervene in the matter.

    Director-General, Amin Alhassan said all six channels serve specific purposes, therefore, none can be taken off.

     

    Source: Myjoyonline.com  

  • Volta GJA allots land to members

    The Volta Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has given out building plots of its Volta Media Village at Adaklu Tsrefe to members.

    A total of 18 and a half plots of the land, which was donated to the Association by the Adaklu-Tsrefe community, was allotted to members, who had paid the required token.

    Mr. Roland Affail Monney, President of the GJA, said the development was a “very good news” as the reality of acquiring an estate land for members was “like a distant dream”, a few months ago.

    He said despite wholesome service to the country, journalists found themselves among classes of humans, who missed their dreams of owning their own home, and called for a “reorientation on serving the nation.”

    “Housing remains a critical issue and an indispensable human need that had eluded most journalists despite the holistic service to the country.”

    He said, “Lots of journalists are sentenced to a life of destitution after toiling to feed the nation with information, and am grateful Volta GJA has taken the initiative to cure this disease.”

    “Journalists work because of love for the nation and are not like others who use the opportunity to milk the nation. There is the need for us to strike a strong balance between serving the nation and our selves and make provisions for our basic needs like housing,” Mr Monney stated.

    He celebrated Volta GJA, and the community of Adaklu Tsrefe for their generosity, saying, “What we see, speaks volumes of what Volta GJA has done and it is evidence of the kind of good leadership and good followership that exists.”

    Mr Anthony Bells Kafui Kanyi, Volta Regional Chairman of the Association said the development had failed to attract an investor, prompting the plots to be given out to individual members.

    He said beneficiaries could erect approved structures of any kind but must be draped in the colours of the GJA.

    The village sits on a four-acre land and has a playing field for social events.

    The Association has also secured land at Adaklu Kodzobi, which would soon be made available to members.

     

    Source: GNA

  • GJA petitions Akufo-Addo to provide stimulus packages for media houses

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has forwarded a petition to President Nana Akufo-Addo for journalists to be considered in the disbursement of a stimulus package announced by the government last month.

    The GJA wants the government to support media houses that are struggling due to the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic.

    President Mr. Affail Monney says the outfit petitioned the president because some media organizations and journalists are facing serious challenges due to the impact the outbreak has had on the media houses.

    “We have crafted a proposal which has been sent to the government to consider journalists in the disbursement of the COVID-19 stimulus package,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the disbursement of a GHC 600 million stimulus package to aid small businesses affected by the coronavirus will commence this month.

    As part of measures to support ailing firms, the government earmarked the funds out of a $1billion International Monetary Fund (IMF) facility.

    Addressing workers on May Day, Mr Akufo-Addo said, “the government will from this month of May, rollout a soft-loan scheme up to a total of GHC 600million to support micro, small and medium scale companies”.

    The flexible loan will have a two-year repayment period.

    Source: rainbowradioonline.com

  • Lockdown: GJA condemns assault on journalists by soldiers

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has condemned the alleged assault of two journalists by soldiers in the Ashanti and Greater Accra Regions.

    The first incident is said to involve a TV Africa reporter, Samuel Adobah who was allegedly assaulted by a soldier while covering a fire incident at Olebu in the Ga Central Municipality.

    The second incident which occurred at Akrem in the Asokore Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region had to do with a correspondent of Deutsche Welle, Yussif Abdul Ganiyu who was assaulted by a military officer on April 5, 2020.

    The GJA in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Kofi Yeboah said it finds the assault by the soldiers as “unprofessional, brutish, barbaric and a blot on the image of a military institution held in high esteem in peacekeeping operations across the world.”

    It urged the military authorities to “fish out the culprits” for sanction in order to “redeem its image from the damage caused by the unprofessional conduct of the soldiers in question.”

    The GJA said it had already contacted military authorities about the incident and they had given the assurance to deal with the matter.

    It also called on the Police to investigate the two cases quickly to “bring the culprits to face the full rigours of the law.”

    Aside this incident, there have been some incidents of abuse in some parts of the country.

    A few weeks ago, a journalist with Kumasi based Zuria Radio was similarly attacked.

    The Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah subsequently promised swift action against any officer found culpable of human rights abuse within the partial lockdown period.

    President Nana Akufo Addo, while his COVID-19 update 6 also called on security agencies enforcing the law on lockdown to refrain from human rights abuses.

     

     

    Source: citinewsroom 

  • We will expel any Journalist who causes fear and panic on coronavirus fight – GJA

    The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has indicated that it will expel any Journalists from the Association if that individual goes contrary to the Association’s Code of Ethics by causing fear and panic to the citizenry in disseminating information on Covid-19.

    According to the Association, reportage of some media houses on Coronavirus is creating fear and panic in the country, adding some media houses do not check their facts thereby come on air with whatever fact they hear on the ground which might not be the right information for them to put out there.

    The Association in a statement released on March 15 made a passionate appeal to the media to report responsibly on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) and avoid creating any unjustified fear and panic among the populace.

    Vice President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Linda Asante-Agyei said the Association will name and shame any media house who goes contrary to the directive

    ”Recalcitrant media houses who go contrary to the GJA code of ethics by continuing to cause fear and panic disseminating information on Covid 19 to the public will be named and shamed and when it comes to the worst scenario, the Association will also expel anyone who goes contrary to the directive”.

    Meanwhile, the Association has announced that it is collaborating with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to begin training of Journalists to provide accurate information to the public in contributing to efforts in fighting Covid-19 in the country.

    Again, she stated that the three media organizations, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and Private News Papers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) are coordinating with editors of media houses to provide names of Journalists to participate in the training session.

    Madam Asante also said the training is planned to take off this Friday, March 20 2020.

    The GJA Vice President also made it known that the training will be rolled out in batches not only in the Greater Accra Region, but the other 15 regions across the country.

    The GJA further advised journalists to use reliable scientific sources in their reportage and avoid speculations, while calling on public authorities and medical institutions to provide timely and accurate information to journalists when they call on them.

    Source: primenewsghana.com