Albert Kwabena Dwumfour
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has been re-elected as President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) after a closely contested election.
Mr. Dwumfour, who has been in office since 2022, secured 445 votes (64.49%) out of 690 valid ballots cast, defeating Charles Yao Mawusi who garnered 245 votes (35.51%).
The election, which saw over 800 accredited GJA members participating, also saw the election of other national executives, including Rebecca Ekpe as Vice President, Suleiman Mustapha as Organising Secretary, and Zadok Kwame Gyesi as Public Affairs Officer.
Dwumfour’s re-election was been backed by his demonstrable achievements across critical areas, significantly improving the landscape for Ghanaian journalists. His former 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 in his first term 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.
The newly elected executives will serve a three-year term, and expectations are high for them to lead the GJA in navigating the evolving media landscape and pushing for critical reforms and advocacy.