Accra, Sept. 24, GNA – Ghana has been selected by the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) to host its Sixth Continental Congress following a successful bid submitted by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The decision was taken during a two-day FAJ Steering Committee meeting held in Accra from September 17 to 18, 2026, and hosted by the GJA with support from the KGL Group.
A press release issued by the FAJ and copied to the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday said the congress would bring together affiliated journalists’ unions and associations from across Africa to chart the organisation’s programme and priorities, elect new leadership for the next mandate, and engage with solidarity organisations and development partners.
The FAJ also called on Ghana to play a leading role in continental efforts aimed at reversing the decline in media freedom and promoting a safer and more enabling environment for journalists.
Mr Omar Faruk Osman, President of the FAJ, said the increasing attacks on journalists, restrictions on media freedom, labour rights violations, and growing economic insecurity within the profession demanded a stronger and more coordinated response.
He stressed the critical role of independent journalists’ unions in ensuring that media professionals could work freely, safely, and with dignity.
Mr Osman further cautioned against the use of misinformation, disinformation, hate speech, and concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence as pretexts for censorship and increased state control of the media.
He called for stronger professional journalism, enhanced media and information literacy, and sustained efforts to protect information integrity across the continent.
“We leave Accra with renewed determination, stronger mobilisation, and a clear sense of direction. African journalists are confronting profound changes in their profession and mounting attacks on their rights, but we refuse to respond with lamentation,” he said.
“We are putting forward bold and practical actions to address these challenges and do what is necessary for the journalists of this continent. Our response must be stronger organisation, an unwavering movement, and a powerful collective voice capable of defending journalism and all those who practise it.”
Meanwhile, the FAJ leadership held discussions with President John Dramani Mahama on key issues, including media freedom, journalists’ safety, information integrity, and the role of independent and quality journalism in advancing Africa’s democratic governance and development agenda.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Reporter: Jesse Ampah Owusu
Email: [email protected]