By Laudia Sawer
Tema, Sept. 19, GNA-The executives of the Tema Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), have paid a working visit to the management of the Ghana Grid Company (GRIDCo) to seek collaborations with the institution.
The executives, made up of Mr Michael Dewornu, Chairman; Mrs Patricia Kyei Obeney, Secretary; and Mrs Edith Atiaka Eshun, Treasurer, were accompanied by selected representatives of media houses in the region.
Mr Dewornu indicated that as new executives who took office after the June 2025 GJA elections, they deemed it right to meet with stakeholders in the region to explore ways to collaborate for mutual benefit.
He indicated that one major area the Tema GJA wanted to collaborate with stakeholders was to provide capacity-building opportunities to journalists in the region, noting that it would help in accurate reportage for the various sectors.
He stated that for instance, the energy sector was a technical field, and sometimes some journalists have difficulty understanding some of the terminology when reporting after attending GRIDCo’s assignments.
“GRIDCo plays a key role in the energy sector; therefore, we look forward to collaborating with you to train members to whip up interest of journalists in energy reporting.”
Mr Dewornu revealed that the regional branch was planning to introduce a ‘GJA Policy and Business Forum,’ which would create the platform for stakeholders to broadcast their plans, policies and issues to the public.
He also indicated that they wanted journalists in the region not only to report on programmes but also to play an advocacy role in national issues.
Mr Mark Baah, the Chief Executive of GRIDCo, led his team made up of Mr Sam Nkansah, Deputy CEO, Finance and Resources; Mr Frank Otchere, Deputy CEO, Engineering and Operations; Mr Ben Ntsin, Director of Procurement; Mr Samuel Kow Acquah, Director of Corporate Strategy; Madam Dzifa Bampoh, Manager, Corporate; Ms Joana Tetteh, Principal Information Officer; and Papa Kojo Mensah, Special Assistant to the CEO.
Mr Baah welcomed the partnership drive, indicating that capacity building for journalists was very important, saying, “capacity building is key; our challenge is that some journalists don’t have appreciation for the technical issues whenever we have a programme.”
He reiterated that it was very necessary for journalists to understand the energy sector, saying that the electricity chain starts from fuel, generators, transmission, and distribution.
He urged the GJA to also consider adding environmental advocacy to their programmes because Tema is an industrial hub, and industrial activities may have some effects on residents.
Madam Bampoh, reiterating the need for training programmes, said the company provides opportunities for students from the universities to visit and tour its sub-stations to have an appreciation of the engineering work that goes on in the sector, noting that similar tours could be organised for journalists in the region.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah