Accra, June 26, GNA — Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has been elected as the new president of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The Head of Corporate Affairs at the Tobinco Group and the incumbent National Organising Secretary beat competition from Mr David Agbenu, Editor of the Ghanaian Times and former General Secretary of the GJA, as well as Mr Gayheart Mensah, a communication consultant, in a fiercely contested election.
He polled 233 votes out of 556 total valid votes cast.
His closest contender, Mr Gayheart Mensah polled 181 votes while Mr David Agbenu garnered 142 votes.
Mr Kofi Yeboah, incumbent General Secretary retained his seat, polling 348 votes to beat competition from Mr Akwasi Agyeman who polled 208 votes.
The Organising Secretary position went to Mr Dominic Hlordzi. He defeated Ms Mary Mensah, polling 300 votes while his competitor polled 255.
The position of Public Affairs Officer was also contested by two new entrants Caesar Abagali of the Ghana News Agency and Ms Rebecca Ekpe of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.
Ms Ekpe polled 362 votes to beat Mr Abagali who polled 191.
Meanwhile, Mrs Linda Asante Agyei and Mrs Audrey Dekalu, both of the GNA who are incumbents of the Vice President and Treasurer positions respectively, contested unopposed.
The elections which was generally peaceful did not however meet expectations in terms of voter turnout.
Out of more than 800 members of the GJA in good standing, only 559 turned up to vote.
Delivering his victory speech, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, thanked members of the GJA for the confidence reposed in him.
He reiterated his commitment to better the welfare of the members of the Association.
He also assured to that his administration would engage all stakeholders in the sector to ensure that the wellbeing of the Association was met.
“I will in humility serve to promote their welfare, raise standards of the profession as well as rise against anti-media element.
“I am committed to the transformation of the Association in all elements, welfare as key. I invite all other contestants to the table as we deliberate in the interest of journalists.” Mr Dwumfour emphasised.
He called on losing candidates to continue to support the leadership of the Association to enable it to bring the needed development.
GNA