The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has called on the government to address critical media matters that require urgent redress in 2025. In a speech delivered by Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, at a news conference held at the Ghana International Press Centre, he highlighted several key issues that need attention.
According to Dwumfour, the GJA has been working tirelessly to promote the interests of the media and ensure that journalists are able to work in a safe and conducive environment. He expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama for his commitment to media freedom and promised to work with the government to address the challenges facing the media.
Dwumfour also congratulated President Mahama on his election as President of the Republic of Ghana and commended him for nominating Mr. James Gunu, a member of the GJA, as Volta Regional Minister-designate. He expressed the hope that Mr. Gunu would work to promote the interests of the media in the Volta Region.
However, Dwumfour expressed concern over the removal of the Ministry of Information from the government portfolios. He asked for clarification on the rationale behind this decision and its implications on the state-owned Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and Ghana News Agency.
The GJA President also condemned the recent attack on Ohemeng Tawiah of the Multimedia Group Limited by a mob of illegal small-scale miners. He called on President Mahama to take personal interest in the matter and ensure that the perpetrators are arrested and punished.
Dwumfour also expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in the investigation into the murder of investigative journalist Ahmed Suale. He announced that the GJA will take decisive steps to resolve the matter, including seeking redress in international forums.
“We are giving the Ghana Police Service up to the end of March 2025 to come out with something concrete on the investigation, arrest and prosecution of suspects in the murder case,” Dwumfour said. “We urge the Inspector-General of Police, the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice-designate and the President to take keen interest in this case.”
The GJA also condemned the violent clash between soldiers and illegal miners in Obuasi, which resulted in the death of seven people. Dwumfour called for better engagement among the parties to resolve concerns and urged the community members to use peaceful means to seek redress.
The GJA President also emphasized the importance of media freedom and responsibility. He urged media practitioners and institutions to be professional at all times and help make Ghana great and strong.
“We need to appreciate the fact that freedom goes with responsibility and that the media is an agent of construction, not destruction,” Dwumfour said. “We urge media practitioners and institutions to be professional at all times and help make Ghana great and strong.”
The GJA also announced its plans for 2025, including the holding of its Annual General Meeting and National Elections. The association also intends to commemorate World Press Freedom Day in a special way, honoring distinguished individuals and institutions who have championed the cause of media freedom.
In conclusion, Dwumfour called on the government and all stakeholders to work together to address the challenges facing the media and promote media freedom and responsibility.
“We need a united front now than ever before,” he said. “Long live press freedom in Ghana! Long live GJA!! Long live Ghana!!!”
