By Rachel Kakraba
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) turns 75 years old today. The association sets and upholds high professional standards in journalism, enhances the skills and knowledge of journalists through workshops, as well as the promotion of ethical journalism and accountability among its members.
Serving as an umbrella body of journalists, in Ghana, the GJA has been a staunch defender of press freedom, actively campaigning against laws and practices that restrict journalistic independence as well as providing support to journalists facing challenges.
As part of the event, the Association will today hold a commemorative public lecture to mark the milestone.
Themed “75 years of excellence in journalism, honouring the past, embracing the present, and shaping the future,” it will honour trailblazers in journalism and former GJA presidents whose dedication and leadership have left an indelible mark on Ghanaian journalism.
Speaking to GBCNEWS, Vice President of the Association, Mrs. Linda Asante Adjei, lauded the contributions of pioneering journalists, which have shaped journalism practice in Ghana.
“It has been a rough journey, and it’s not going to be smooth, because we know what is happening, but we know that with time, those behind us will have a smooth ride. That is when we have set the pace.”
She urged contemporary journalists to be adaptable and leverage technology to improve their craft.
“Technology has taken over, and in fact, where we are now, AI is what is reigning. As journalism demands, it is dynamic, so as we move along, you know, we also move along with whatever technology that is coming up. We want our journalists to be equipped and use AI as a tool to enhance their work professionally.”
Public Affairs Officer of the GJA, Madam Rebecca Ekpe, acknowledged that the practice of journalism has evolved significantly over time. Despite these changes, she emphasised the GJA’s commitment to upholding professional standards among its members.
“The practice of journalism over the years has seen a change, a change from what it used to be. From the GBC days where we had just one media to now we have a multiplicity and duplicity of media platforms.”
Adding on, she said, “We have the Ghana Journalists Association, which is a professional organisation which upholds professionalism, so if you are a member of the GJA, you are required to abide by the rules and regulations.”
The anniversary lecture will be chaired by Ag. Dean, School of Communication Studies, Wisconsin International University College Ghana. Special Guest will be Information Minister Fatimatu Abubakar with Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), as Guest Speaker.
Speakers include Charles Nii Ayiku Ayiku, IT Expert/General Manager External Communication-ECG, and Ethel Cofie, Founder and CEO, EDEL Technology Consulting. The event will also attract journalists from print, online and broadcast industries.
