By: Jeremiah Nutsugah.
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has declared a proactive stance against attacks on journalists in the upcoming year.
Noting the rise in assaults on journalists and media organisations, he confirmed the GJA’s commitment to fearlessly counter any such attacks.
During the GJA Annual Dinner Night on Thursday, December 21, Mr. Dwumfour outlined the Association’s strategies, including legal actions, symbolic gestures like putting down pens and microphones, and advocating for a blackout on entities targeting media practitioners or institutions.
He urged institutions prioritizing democracy and security to collaborate in addressing impunity against the media.
While condemning attacks, Mr. Dwumfour stressed the importance of professionalism among media practitioners and institutions.
“The GJA does not and will not condone unprofessional conduct. We will not shield or provide cover for deviations from professionalism. We will soon roll out a monitoring mechanism based on which we shall call out media practitioners and institutions that lower the bar of professionalism,” he said.
In looking ahead to 2024, Mr. Dwumfour announced the establishment of a media monitoring team to promote sanity in the media space.
He disclosed ongoing deliberations by the GJA’s ethics and disciplinary council regarding a petition from the Chief of the Defence Staff against a media house, underscoring the association’s commitment to fairness for all and not solely protecting the interests of journalists.
