A New Dawn for the GJA
On Monday, June 30, 2025, members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) went to the polls across the country to elect new national and regional executives. It was a momentous occasion — not only for the GJA, but for Ghana’s media landscape as a whole. Peaceful, transparent, and well-coordinated, the elections have set a hopeful tone for the future of journalism in our beloved country.
The process was overseen by a diligent Elections Committee chaired by Mr. Peter Martey Agbeko, a seasoned public relations practitioner and a long-time member of the GJA. Mr. Agbeko and his team — Mrs. Beatrice Asamani Savage, Mr. Kwaku Owusu-Peprah, Mr. Dottoh Kwaah (Technical Advisor from the Electoral Commission), and Mr. Solomon Fosu (IT Support Coordinator) — ensured that the elections were not only credible but also inclusive.
From Accra to Wa, Takoradi to Tamale, Cape Coast to Ho, over 800 journalists exercised their democratic right to vote in a process that began at 8 a.m. and closed at 3 p.m., followed by transparent counting and prompt declaration of results. The committee’s ability to manage simultaneous voting across both national and regional centres — including major media institutions and regional capitals — was a testament to logistical excellence and stakeholder cooperation.
At the national level, incumbent President Mr. Albert Dwumfour was re-elected with a decisive 64% of the votes, defeating his sole challenger, Mr. Charles Mawusi, who garnered 36%. Mr. Dwumfour’s campaign, focused on his track record over the past three years, clearly resonated with a majority of the Association’s members.
Other key victories included Madam Rebecca Ekpe, Editor of GBConline, who secured 60% of the votes to become the new Vice President, defeating Madam Mary Mensah of the Daily Graphic who polled 40%. The position of General Secretary was won by Mr. Dominic Hlordzi, of GBC, who also earned 64% of the vote.
What makes this election especially commendable is the calm, professional manner in which it was conducted, despite a few attempted disruptions. The circulation of a forged voters’ register, clearly meant to sow confusion and mistrust, was swiftly addressed by the Committee. Members were rightly urged to rely solely on the official register signed by the GJA General Secretary and Treasurer. Such vigilance in protecting the electoral process is praiseworthy and should be emulated by other institutions.
This year also saw the successful implementation of enhanced proxy voting under strict regulations — an innovation that helped ensure wider participation, especially for journalists whose fieldwork made in-person voting impractical. Democracy is strongest when it finds ways to include, not exclude.
In his post-election remarks, Mr. Agbeko rightly noted: “The elections are over. Let us now close ranks, build bridges, and move forward in unity under the leadership of our new executives.” This is a call not only to the victors, but to every member of the GJA. Journalism in Ghana faces pressing challenges — from misinformation and media polarisation to threats against press freedom and economic pressures on newsrooms. Unity, professionalism, and integrity must guide the path forward.
To those elected, we say: Congratulations. Yours is a call to humble service. To those who were not successful, we say: Your courage and commitment to offer yourselves for leadership is commendable. Do not retreat. The Association needs every voice, every contribution.
We commend the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the Ghana Police Service, the GJA staff, observers, and all other stakeholders whose contributions made the election a success. Most of all, we celebrate every journalist who participated — a reminder that a strong press begins with a committed community.
As we mark this peaceful transition, we pray that the Ghana Journalists Association will continue to uphold the principles of fairness, truth, and accountability, becoming an even stronger guardian of public interest in our democracy.
May God bless the GJA.
May God bless Ghana.
And may truth forever remain our guiding light.
