By: Gloria Amoh
At the Minister’s press briefing at the Ministry of Information on Ghana Preparedness to host the 3rd Africa Media Convention, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kawbena Dwumfour, explained that the briefing demonstrates commitment to ensuring that the African Media Convention (AMC) is exceptionally well organized.
Mr. Dwumfour commended the government of Ghana, particularly President Akufo-Addo and former Minister of Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, for their contribution towards this all-important conference. According to him, the President did not hesitate to assure them of his support and funding, including state logistics, to give the participants a wonderful experience in Ghana during their initial visit to him.
“This singular assurance by the President was a morale booster for the LOC. I think that our government deserves commendation,” he said.
He also seized the opportunity to congratulate Fatimatu Abubakar on her elevation as substantive Minister for Information. He mentioned that Fatimatu Abubakar has been phenomenal as far as the work of the Local Organizing Committee is concerned.
“Ladies and gentlemen of the media, today is a significant day for the media community, as it signifies a crucial milestone in our preparations for hosting this prominent event for African journalists and media organizations”, Mr. Dwumfour announced.
He highlighted that the briefing demonstrates their commitment to ensuring that the African Media Convention (AMC) is exceptional.
“It is important to state that the AMC is a fast-growing platform that I believe will generate a coalition of ideas, support systems, and actors to shape the future of media in Africa and hopefully around the world.” He added
Again, the Africa Media Convention offers a refreshing platform that has the potential to make a significant impact on our industry on a continental level. He addressed the fact that hosting of the 3rd AMC in Ghana is a testament to Ghana’s record as one of Africa’s fastest-growing conference destinations.
He also emphasized that, in recent years, Ghana has organized World Press Freedom Day, a global celebration, and several Ecowas and AU Heads of State summits. The convergence of Africa’s media elite will allow media practitioners to, among others, discuss how to promote a positive African narrative globally, which will lead to attracting more positive interest in Africa.
Additionally, the Convention, an initiative of the African Editors’ Forum (TAEF), is designed to safeguard the hard-won media freedoms and safety of journalists on the Continent, and it will focus on how to combat misinformation on the continent’s social media platforms, especially in the face of threats to democracy.
“It is essential to mention that the successful bid of the GJA to host the next convention was announced during the Second Africa Media Convention, which was held in Lusaka, Zambia, from May 11–13, 2023, and to which a 4-member delegation from the GJA attended.” He explained
Touching on their preparedness, Mr. Dwumfour stated that the African Media Convention is poised to be the largest gathering of media stakeholders and policymakers on the continent, and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) along with the Local Organising Committee (LOC) are fully prepared to host this event. As we prepare to host the third edition of the African Media Convention,
“I want to highlight that we’ve received a strong commitment and full support from the Government of Ghana, ensuring that everything is in place for a successful event.” He mentioned
According to him, the LOC held a meeting to receive briefings from the event organizers, covering topics like production, subcommittee progress, protocols, and security.
“Based on the updates my co-chair and I received, I can assure you that we are fully prepared for the 3rd African Media Convention in Accra. It’s also worth noting that today is the last day for registration, and we’ve already surpassed our goals”.
“We have over 600 international participants and 400 local participants registered, indicating a high level of interest and excitement for the event. This turnout reflects the great anticipation surrounding this convention.” according to Mr. Dwumfour.
