Albert Dwumfour
AS MEMBERS of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) go to the polls today, incumbent President Albert Dwumfour is overwhelmingly favoured to clinch a resounding victory, securing a second term by a wide margin against his main opponent, Charles Mawusi.
Reports on the ground indicate strong sentiment among GJA members that Dwumfour’s impactful first term and compelling vision for the future have cemented his position as a clear leader.
Dwumfour’s re-election campaign has been backed by his demonstrable achievements across critical areas, significantly improving the landscape for Ghanaian journalists. His administration has been lauded for its robust commitment to professional development, notably securing a five-year scholarship programme for GJA members at Wisconsin University College and conducting over 20 capacity-building workshops nationwide.
Strategic partnerships with the U.S. Embassy, the Spanish Embassy, and the Electoral Commission (EC) for pre-2024 election training, alongside various international exchange programmes, have further enhanced journalistic skills of GJA members.
In terms of welfare, Dwumfour has launched the crucial Journalists’ Support Fund (JSF), providing essential financial and legal aid to journalists facing attacks and offering a much-needed cushion for retirees. The fund has also extended support to members facing social challenges, such as funerals and accidents, demonstrating a deeply empathetic approach to member well-being.
Dwumfour’s unwavering dedication to media freedom has been the hallmark of his tenure. He courageously instituted the blacklisting of individuals who attack journalists, hosted the 3rd African Media Convention in Accra, and consistently advocated for justice in the tragic Ahmed Suale case. His diplomatic interventions also amicably resolved standoffs with Oyerepa Radio and Radio Ada, demonstrating a proactive approach to protecting journalistic integrity.
On the Infrastructure Development front, the renovation of the Ghana International Press Centre to international standards stands as a testament to his commitment. He has also actively supported regional branches and spearheaded the establishment of the national media collaboration centre at the International Press Centre for the 2024 elections, enhancing the association’s operational capacity.
Under Dwumfour’s dynamic leadership, the GJA has seen a significant boost in visibility. Membership has surged, with over 600 new applications vetted and more than 300 new members brought onboard. The institution of an annual dinner night, complementing the GJA Awards, and the enhancement of regional and national awards have further elevated the association’s profile and fostered a sense of community.
Looking ahead to his second term, Dwumfour’s 5 Key Pillars have resonated strongly with the membership.
Dwumfour has pledged his commitment to implementing standardised working conditions, ensuring fair remuneration, and improving workplace policies for all media professionals.
Also, the implementation of a nationwide insurance package covering health, life, and occupational hazards, coupled with an expanded welfare system for emergencies and retirement, promises a vital safety net for journalists.
Dwumfour pledges to significantly expand both local and foreign training opportunities, opening more doors for journalists to acquire advanced skills and specialisations, and also focusing on grassroots development, including establishing fully operational regional offices, reviving inactive chapters, and delivering tailored training programmes to empower journalists in every region.
He further reiterated his potent mantra, “Journalists’ Lives Matter,” vowing to intensify advocacy for press freedom and the robust protection of journalists.