The Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene, has pledged his commitment to supporting the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ashanti Regional branch, in re-establishing their long-awaited press center.
Dr. Amoakohene made this assurance at the 2025 GJA Thanksgiving Service and Get-Together ceremony held in Kumasi, where he acknowledged the critical role journalists play in Ghana’s democracy and development.
In 2013, then-Ashanti Regional Minister Eric Opoku, now the Minister for Food and Agriculture, initiated the construction of a two-story press center for journalists in the region.
However, following his transfer back to the Bono and Ahafo Regions, his successors, Samuel Sarpong, Alexander Ackon, and Simon Osei Mensah, failed to continue the project.
The building, which had reached the roofing stage, was later handed over to the Manhyia Stool Land after the previous government allocated parts of the Ridge-Nhyiaeso government lands to the traditional council.
The unfinished structure was eventually sold to a private developer for estate purposes and subsequently demolished.
Despite being aware of the facility’s significance to the media, the immediate past Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, did not allocate an alternative site for the project.
However, the situation has taken a positive turn, thanks to the intervention of the Ashanti Regional Lands Commission and the Manhyia Palace. Following discussions on the matter, a new piece of land has been allocated for the GJA’s Ashanti Regional branch, with documentation currently in progress.
At the event, GJA Ashanti Regional Chairman Kingsley Hope appealed to Dr. Amoakohene for assistance, emphasizing the association’s urgent need for a dedicated office space.
In response, the minister assured the journalists of his full support, stating that his office would actively facilitate the rebuilding of the press center.
Dr. Amoakohene revealed plans to engage the project’s initiator, Eric Opoku, to gain insights into the original strategy used for the project and ensure its successful completion.
“I will be in Accra next week ahead of the budget reading and will take the opportunity to meet Hon. Eric Opoku to discuss the project. I need to study the strategy he used so that we can get the job done for the media,” he said.
He reaffirmed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government’s commitment to recognizing the importance of journalism, supporting press freedom, and ensuring the safety and well-being of journalists.
“I will personally ensure the construction of a modern and befitting press center for the Ashanti Region,” Dr. Amoakohene added.
Founded in 1949, the Ghana Journalists Association serves as the umbrella organization for journalists in the country, advocating for higher professional standards, press freedom, and solidarity within the media fraternity.
With Dr. Amoakohene’s renewed commitment, the Ashanti Regional branch of the GJA can now anticipate the reconstruction of its press center, which will enhance its capacity to promote quality journalism and serve the community effectively.
Source: Ghana/Starrfm.com.gh /Isaac Justice Bediako
