Ghana Journalists Association: Committee Appointments Bolster Governance

• The Ghana Journalists Association has reconstituted several statutory committees to strengthen its governance and operations.
• Mr. Cliff Ekufful, an Assistant Editor at The Ghanaian Times, was appointed to the Professional Development Committee.
• Appointments were made under Articles 30, 31, and 32 of the GJA's 2004 Constitution, aiming to support administration and strategic growth.
• Five committees—Professional Development, Membership Vetting, Social Affairs, International Relations, and Finance—have been formed with diverse leadership and membership.
• The GJA National Executive expressed confidence that the appointees' expertise will promote high professional standards and deepen member engagement.

The National Executive of the Ghana Journalists Association has publicly expressed its profound confidence in the extensive experience and specialized expertise that each committee member brings to their respective roles.

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has undertaken a significant internal restructuring initiative, reconstituting several of its statutory committees to bolster its operational framework and governance. These appointments, made in accordance with Articles 30, 31, and 32 of the Association's 2004 Constitution, are designed to enhance the GJA's administrative efficiency and strategic direction. This move underscores a concerted effort to strengthen the overall functioning of the organization, which plays a pivotal role in Ghana's media landscape.

Among the notable appointments is Mr. Cliff Ekufful, an Assistant Editor at The Ghanaian Times, who has been named to the GJA Professional Development Committee. His inclusion is part of a broader selection process that brings together a diverse group of experienced media professionals, including editors, chief editors, and veteran journalists from various outlets across the country. This collective expertise is expected to contribute significantly to the committees' mandates.

The newly appointed members are slated to be officially sworn into their roles on Monday, an event coinciding with the GJA's 77th Anniversary Lecture and Symposium. This ceremonial induction highlights the importance the Association places on these reconstituted bodies, signaling a renewed focus on internal structures to support its mission. The appointments are seen as a critical step in advancing the GJA's commitment to its members and the broader journalistic community.

A statement released by Mr. Dominic Hlordzi, the General Secretary of the GJA, outlined the comprehensive mandate of these newly formed committees. Their primary responsibilities include providing crucial support for the effective administration of the Association, fostering professional development among its members, and contributing to its strategic growth. These bodies are also tasked with assisting the National Executive in fulfilling its wide-ranging responsibilities, thereby ensuring robust GJA governance and operations.

The Professional Development Committee, to which Mr. Cliff Ekufful has been appointed, will be led by Mrs. Rebecca Ekpe, who serves as the GJA's Vice-President. This committee is further strengthened by the inclusion of Mr. Kofi Yeboah, a former General Secretary of the GJA and a lecturer at Wisconsin International University College, alongside Mr. George Ramsey Benamba, Chief Editor of the Ghana News Agency, and Mr. Kwesi Owusu Peprah, Head of Joy Brands at the Multimedia Group. Their collective experience is anticipated to drive initiatives aimed at elevating Ghana media professional standards.

Beyond professional development, other critical areas of the Association's work are addressed by the reconstituted statutory committees, each featuring a blend of seasoned journalists and media executives. The Membership Vetting Committee, responsible for upholding the integrity of the GJA's membership, will be chaired by the GJA President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour. Its members include veteran journalist Mr. Kissi Yeboah, Mr. Seth Eyiah, Editor-in-Chief of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Mr. Peter Ankomah, Editor of the *Daily Dispatch*, and Nana Yaa Konadu of Peace FM.

The Social Affairs Committee, tasked with addressing the welfare and social needs of members, will operate under the chairmanship of Mr. Suleiman Mustapha, the GJA Organising Secretary. This committee's roster includes Mr. Isaac Owusu Asare of GBC, Mrs. Linda Asante Adjei, a former GJA Vice-President, Mr. Isaac Nuamah Yeboah, Editor of the *Daily Analyst*, and Maame Efua Mensah of UTV. Meanwhile, the International Relations Committee, crucial for fostering global media partnerships, will be chaired by Mr. Dominic Hlordzi himself, with members such as Mrs. Mary Mensah of Graphic Communications Group Limited, freelance journalist Mr. Zambaga Rufai, Mr. Ken Sackey of the Ghana News Agency, and Mr. Yaw Obeng Manu of The Publisher.

Finally, the Finance Committee, vital for the Association's fiscal health, will be chaired by Mrs. Bertha Budu Agyei, the current Treasurer of the GJA. Supporting her are Mr. Charles Benoni Okine of the Minerals Income Investment Fund, Mrs. Audrey Dekalu, a former GJA Treasurer, Mr. Nii Odartey Lamptey of GBC, and Mr. Michael Ocquaye of the Graphic Communications Group Limited. These Ghana Journalists Association committee appointments collectively represent a broad spectrum of expertise essential for the effective functioning of the GJA.

The National Executive of the Ghana Journalists Association has publicly expressed its profound confidence in the extensive experience and specialized expertise that each committee member brings to their respective roles. This collective wealth of knowledge is expected to significantly enhance the Association's work, vigorously promote high professional standards across the Ghanaian media landscape, and deepen engagement among its members. The GJA leadership views these appointments as instrumental in achieving its overarching objectives.

Furthermore, the National Executive extended its commendation to all appointees for their willingness to accept these crucial responsibilities. Their acceptance is interpreted as a clear demonstration of their unwavering commitment to the advancement of journalism within the country and, critically, to the welfare and professional growth of media practitioners throughout Ghana. This initiative reflects a strategic push towards strengthening the GJA's internal mechanisms to better serve its constituency and uphold the integrity of the profession.

This story reports on internal governance appointments within the Ghana Journalists Association. It does not present any direct legal or compliance implications, new regulatory requirements, or actionable advice for lawyers or compliance officers.

Source: Original reporting via Ghanaian Times