On March 12, the GJA and GNA met in Accra to discuss strengthening GNA’s operations. The GJA President emphasized advocacy for media institutions, ensuring journalist welfare, and the importance of media freedom. The GNA’s General Manager highlighted funding challenges while reaffirming the Agency’s commitment to professionalism. Established in 1957, GNA plays a vital role in credible journalism across Ghana.
On March 12, the leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) convened with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Accra to discuss enhancing the Agency’s operations and addressing its challenges. This meeting highlighted the critical role a well-resourced national news agency plays in supporting journalism and promoting credible news dissemination in Ghana.
Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of GJA, expressed the Association’s dedication to advocating for media institutions, emphasizing that their success is intrinsically linked to the welfare of journalists and the quality of public information. He praised the GNA’s significant contributions to journalism in Ghana and acknowledged the longstanding involvement of its journalists in the leadership of the GJA.
The GJA President reiterated the necessity of media freedom and the independence of journalistic bodies, stating that a robust and well-supported GNA is vital for the nation’s democracy and development. Additionally, he assured journalists that the GJA would persist in championing their welfare, with initiatives aimed at improving remuneration and working conditions.
Mr. Albert Kofi Owusu, General Manager of GNA, called upon the Government to increase funding to bolster the Agency’s efficiency and sustainability. He pointed out that years of inadequate financial support have hampered the GNA’s productivity, resulting in high attrition rates due to poor remuneration, which drives talented journalists to other media outlets.
Despite these hurdles, Mr. Owusu affirmed the GNA’s commitment to professionalism and ethical standards in journalism. He stressed that the credibility of GNA news stories remains strong, reinforcing the Agency’s status as a reliable news source in the country. He noted, “In spite of the challenges, you see the journalists always doing their best to maintain high professionalism. So, hardly will you have somebody take a GNA story and question its credibility.”
Founded in March 1957, the Ghana News Agency is the country’s first state-owned wire service, serving as a crucial source of news for both domestic and international audiences. Over the years, the Agency has become a cornerstone of credible journalism, providing news content to various media houses across Ghana, with correspondents strategically positioned in every region to ensure comprehensive coverage of national events and developments.
The GJA delegation included key figures such as Mr. Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary; Mrs. Audrey Dekalu, National Treasurer; and Mr. Dominic Hlordzi, Organising Secretary. The GNA team was represented by Mrs. Beatrice Asamani Savage, Director of Editorial; Mr. Joseph Baffoe, Director of Administration; Mr. Norbert Asenso, Business Development Manager; and other notable team members.
In summary, the interaction between the GJA and GNA was centered on fortifying the GNA’s operational framework to enhance journalism in Ghana. Both organizations acknowledged the significance of adequate support and funding to maintain a credible national news agency. The commitment to advocating for journalists’ welfare and enhancing the GNA’s efficiency was emphasized as crucial for the growth of responsible journalism and national development.
Original Source: gna.org.gh
