Dr. Harrison Kofi Belley
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in the Volta Region has elected Dr. Harrison Kofi Belley as its chairman in a peaceful and transparent exercise hailed as a testament to the Association’s democratic maturity.
Dr. Belley polled 27 votes to unseat the incumbent, Emmanuel Elikplim Kwabla Agbaxode, who garnered 24 votes in the closely contested election.
Other elected regional executives include Madam Ivy Setordzi, who secured the Vice Chairperson position with 34 votes against MacLean Nordzi’s 17; and King Freeman Xorlali Nutsukpoe, who was elected Treasurer with 26 votes, narrowly edging out the incumbentMadam Ewoenam Kpodo, who had 25 votes.
Mr. Lambert Kofi Atsivor went unopposed as the Regional Secretary.
Moments after the declaration of results at the Press Centre in Ho, Mr. Agbaxode moved to congratulate Dr. Belley and assured him of his support—an act widely commended as a gesture of statesmanship and unity.
Earlier in the day, the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, who is also a member of the Association, visited the venue to solidarise with all candidates. While he declined to exercise his franchise, he assured the contestants of his unwavering support for whoever would be elected to lead the affairs of the media in the region.
In his victory remarks, Dr. Belley pledged to foster unity and inclusiveness among journalists in the region. He also outlined plans to implement a transparent dues system and establish a robust welfare mechanism to support members.
“This is a victory not just for me, but for all journalists in the Volta Region. We must now come together, regardless of our differences during the elections, and work as one body to uplift the standards of journalism and the welfare of our members,” he stated.
By Daniel K Orlando, Ho