The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), led by its National President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has sworn in newly elected executives for the Ashanti Regional branch at a colourful ceremony in Kumasi. The event brought together journalists, regional authorities, security heads, and other stakeholders in the media landscape.
Kofi Adu Domfeh emerged as the new Ashanti Regional Chairman after securing 20 out of 31 valid votes cast in a rerun election held on Friday, August 22. His contender, Georgina Ama Ankomah, polled 11 votes, with no ballots rejected. The rerun followed a ruling by the GJA Elections Dispute Adjudication Committee (EDAC), which annulled the June 30 polls due to irregularities, including breaches of the association’s constitution and voter eligibility challenges.
Speaking at the ceremony, GJA National President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour praised members of the branch for demonstrating maturity after the annulled elections. He described the swearing-in as “the beginning of a new chapter for the Ashanti GJA.”
“I know that with the regional minister at the helm of affairs in this region, you cannot fail,” Mr. Dwumfour said. “Our regional press centre project must be revived with the support of the minister and other stakeholders. To the new executives, I say: be bold, be proactive, and be relentless in pursuit of excellence. Be assured of the full support of the national leadership. We will stand by you day or night.”
He also expressed worry over the low membership of the association in Ashanti and urged the new executives to prioritize recruitment. “Membership in this region is not where it should be,” he said. “We need to make the GJA attractive to reporters, broadcasters, and even digital voices. A strong membership means a stronger GJA.”
For his part, newly elected Regional Chairman Kofi Adu Domfeh expressed gratitude to members for the confidence reposed in him and his team. He also commended his predecessors for laying the foundation upon which the new executives would build.
“Today is a new chapter for the GJA in the Ashanti region,” Mr. Domfeh declared. “It is a day to forge ahead in unity and to work tightly together for the advancement of our great profession.”
He pledged to embark on an intensive membership drive and to rebrand the Ashanti GJA, saying, “We accept this mantle with a deep sense of duty, guided by a conviction that journalism is not merely a profession, but a public trust. Our first priority is to expand our membership base. The GJA must be a welcoming home for all practitioners—reporters, editors, broadcasters, and the emerging digital voices. A stronger membership means a stronger voice.”
Mr. Domfeh also stressed the need for collaboration with regional authorities to support national development. “We must contribute our quota to support the regional minister’s team in ensuring development for this region and beyond,” he added.
The newly sworn-in executives were congratulated by invited guests and dignitaries, with many describing the occasion as a fresh start for the Ashanti branch of the Ghana Journalists Association.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
