The 3rd Africa Media Convention (AMC) is set to take place in Accra, Ghana, from May 15th to 17th, 2024, as confirmed by Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
This event is significant as it brings together Africa’s media elite to explore ways to promote a positive African narrative globally and address the issue of combating misinformation on social media platforms, particularly in the context of threats to democracy.
The AMC is an initiative of the African Editors’ Forum (TAEF) and is designed to safeguard the hard-won media freedoms and safety of journalists on the continent. The maiden edition of the Convention was held in Arusha, Tanzania, in 2022, and the second edition was hosted by the Southern Africa Editors’ Forum (SAEF).
“The genesis of Ghana hosting the AMC all began in Lusaka, Zambia. 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 11 to 13 May 2023 of which a 4-member delegation from the GJA attended. They included my good self as leader of the delegation, Rebecca Ekpe, Abdul Suala, and Ewura Ama Smith.”
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)
The GJA indicated that it has made substantial progress in preparing for the convention, securing all necessary logistics and contract logistics support, including assets, personnel, and resources. Over 500 media experts, scholars, journalists, journalists’ unions and associations, as well as editors from the public and private sectors across the continent have registered to participate in the three-day convention.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) is confident in its ability to host this convention, with the Government of Ghana providing full assurance and commitment to ensure a successful event.
The AMC coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Ghana Journalists Association, adding historical significance to the event. The convention is expected to be the continent’s largest gathering of media stakeholders and policymakers, with a focus on discussing trends that impede freedom of expression and freedom of the media, media viability and sustainability, as well as the safety and security of journalists.
The President of GJA, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour further disclosed, “In terms of marketing and publicity, we have put together marketing campaigns and publicity materials which are in their final review stages, which we will soon be sharing with the media and relevant stakeholders for onward distribution and circulation.”
The African Editors’ Forum (TAEF) is an organization that plays a pivotal role in the African media landscape, focusing on safeguarding media freedoms and the safety of journalists across the continent. The African Media Convention (AMC), an initiative of TAEF, is designed to bring together media experts, scholars, students, journalists, journalists’ unions and associations, editors, public and private sectors, including cooperating partners from around the African continent and beyond, as well as representatives from UNESCO and the African Union Commission.
The AMC is the largest gathering of media stakeholders and policymakers on the continent, aiming to address critical issues such as freedom of expression, media viability and sustainability, and the safety and security of journalists. It serves as a platform for discussing trends that impede freedom of expression and freedom of the media, combating misinformation on social media platforms, and promoting a positive African narrative globally.
The GJA has received the commitment and full assurance of the Government of Ghana to ensure a successful host of this event. The Minister-designate for Information and Co-Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AMC, Mrs. Fatimatu Abubakar, commended GJA and LOC for successfully winning the bid to host the 3rd AMC in Ghana.
The AMC is a testament to the continent’s shared commitment to elevate the standards of journalism, foster innovation, and champion the principles of free speech, transparency, and accountability. It underscores the importance of Ghana’s role in shaping the future of media discourse across Africa and its commitment to ensuring the continual professional development of media practitioners.
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