The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has marked World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) with a significant event held in Koforidua, marking a first for the association to commemorate the day outside of Accra.
This decision aligns with the GJA’s commitment to making regional branches more vibrant and fostering a stronger sense of belonging among its members, regardless of their geographical location. The event was attended by journalists from across the country, including those who traveled from Accra and other parts of Ghana, highlighting the importance of the occasion.
“Today is a cardinal day on the global media calendar, as the media fraternity across the world commemorates World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) to particularly remind governments of their commitment to press freedom and the need for them to respect same. The Day also affords media professionals and practitioners the opportunity to reflect on issues of press freedom and professional ethics.”
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA
The President of the GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour expressed profound gratitude to key institutions for their sponsorship, which made the event possible. These included the Environmental Protection Agency, the US Embassy in Accra, Koforidua Technical University, and Passico Lodge. Their support was acknowledged as crucial in organizing the event, underscoring the collaborative spirit that drives the media industry in Ghana.
The GJA used the occasion to condemn recent attacks on journalists and media outlets, including a petrol bomb attack on Class FM, which was described as a terrorist act. The association called on the Ghana Police Service to expedite investigations and prosecute the perpetrators, emphasizing the importance of addressing such attacks to maintain national peace and press freedom.
The global theme for WPFD 2024, “Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis,” was adopted by the GJA for its national commemoration. The association chose the theme “Leveraging journalism for sustainable environment and future” to emphasize the role of journalism in addressing environmental challenges. This choice reflects the GJA’s commitment to leading a media campaign for environmental protection and the well-being of the country.
Despite the challenges, the GJA reported progress in press freedom in Ghana, noting a move from 62 to 50 on Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index. This improvement was attributed to the GJA’s efforts to defend journalistic freedom, including the blacklisting of political figures whose supporters assaulted journalists and media outlets.
Fighting ‘Galamsey’
A major focus of the GJA’s WPFD commemoration was the call to resume the fight against illegal small-scale mining, known as ‘Galamsey.’ The association highlighted the importance of collective action in bringing national attention to this issue and urged journalists to reengage in the fight against ‘Galamsey,’ which has seen a regression in recent times.
The GJA also called for media attention on other environmental issues such as sanitation and climate change, signaling a comprehensive agenda to address these concerns.
“Our survival as a nation is dependent on the environment, which includes plants, forests, water bodies, and other natural resources, and we must do everything humanly necessary to protect it. This is where the media must play a key role in teaching citizens about the dangers of Galamsey and other environmentally destructive activities. This is a clarion call on us the media to reaffirm our commitment to fighting Galamsey, which threatens our very existence.”
Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA
The GJA also addressed other pressing issues, including the killing of a soldier at Millennium City over a land dispute, which was condemned as an act of insanity. The association called for swift investigation and prosecution of the killer, urging the public to respect security officers.
Furthermore, the GJA highlighted the impact of erratic electricity supply on media houses, calling for a timetable on electricity supply to mitigate economic losses and ensure press freedom is not adversely affected.
The GJA concluded the event by announcing the upcoming Africa Media Convention, scheduled for May 15–17, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre. The association, in partnership with the Ministry of Information, will host this significant gathering of media professionals and practitioners from across Africa and beyond.
World Press Freedom Day 2024 in Koforidua was a momentous occasion for the GJA, marking a significant shift in the association’s approach to commemorating the day. By focusing on environmental issues and press freedom, the GJA underscored the critical role of journalism in addressing the challenges facing Ghana and the world. The event served as a reminder of the importance of unity, collaboration, and the steadfast commitment to upholding press freedom and environmental sustainability.
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