News · Priscilla Asante

GJA holds 77th anniversary symoposium

The Chairperson of the National Media Commission, prof. Akua Britwum, has commended the GJA for their survival, growth in size, stature and impact in the national space. 

The chairperson also commended the association for the ability to build stronger structures to meet the demand of the time. 

Speaking at the 77 th anniversary symposium of the GJA at the British Council in Accra, Prof. Akua Britwum, highlighted that the action reflects a deeper appreciation of internal democracy of a representative group as fundamental to its survival. 

This she noted, acknowledges that the challenges of ethical journalism go beyond individual choices and require a strong backing for an effective collective organization. 

She observed, that challenges for upholding journalistic ethics extend beyond holding powerful people accountable, adding that one such challenge is the survival of the media in the plural system that relies on market days competition which tends to complicate ethics and integrity. 

She added that the urge to be the first to publish, the financial pressures create challenges that strain ethical standards like accuracy among others. 

''Digital media  has introduced several contentions into the debate on ethical journalism which include the very foundation of the profession of journalists. Digital media she noted is forcing the media to redefine itself she stated.''

The president of GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, said the theme for the symposium is both a celebration and a call to action as it invites the media to look back with pride, honesty and look into the future with courage and determination. 

At such an important mile stone, Mr. Dwumfuor paid a glowing tribute the past and present executives of the association who contributed to the growth, resilience and relevance of the association. 

 He particularly acknowledged the predecessors who under difficult circumstances laid the foundation upon which the GJA stands today to build an institution capable of speaking for journalists, defending press freedom and promoting professional standards with a special emphasis to Gifty Afenyo Dadzie through her effort, GJA is now settled at the heart of Accra. 

'' There is the need for the journalist to be able to look to the GJA for professional development, guidance when challenges emerge and support when the legitimate work of the journalist is threatened he stressed.''

''The association   cannot defend the credibility of journalists if journalists themselves are unwilling to uphold the standards that make that credibility possible he stated.'' 

He reminded those entrusted with leadership of the GJA, that they are custodians and not owners of the institution.

The vice president of the GJA, Rebecca Ekpeh said 77 years of an organization is a legacy, a struggle and a responsibility and a promise insisting that journalism is not a profession but it is a public trust. 

She was full of praise to the pioneers of the profession as they helped to write the profound story about Ghana adding that their legacy reminds the current generation that journalism is the greatest currency. 

She advised journalists to ensure that they always abide by the truth which remains sacred in the ethics of the profession. The anniversary symposium was on the theme; "GJA At 77: Building on Our Legacy, advancing ethical Journalism and Shaping the Future of Digital Media."