By Jesse Ampah Owusu, GNA
Accra, Nov. 6, GNA – Mr Omar Farouk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), has urged the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) to take a leading role in championing African journalism and defending media freedom across the continent.
He said Ghana’s reputation as a democratic hub in Africa placed a responsibility on the GJA to stand in solidarity with journalists in other African countries and support efforts to protect their rights and freedoms.
Mr Osman made the call when he addressed the 30th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the GJA on Friday at the International Press Centre in Accra.
He said African journalists faced persistent challenges, including poor and precarious working conditions, which required collective action and stronger solidarity among media organisations across the continent.
“So many issues are at stake; the future of journalism on this continent is at stake. GJA, stand and fight for colleagues across the continent,” he said.
Mr Osman commended the Association’s leadership, particularly its President, Mr Albert Dwumfour, for efforts to promote the rights and freedoms of journalists in Ghana.
Meanwhile, the AGM was adjourned sine die after it failed to form a quorum, marking the third time the Association had been unable to hold the meeting due to insufficient attendance.
The Association has about 800 members and requires at least 80 members, representing the 10 per cent quorum threshold stipulated in its constitution, to transact business at the meeting.
Mr Dwumfour expressed concern about the low turnout, describing it as a major challenge to efforts to promote accountability and transparency within the Association.
He said although members frequently demanded accountability from the leadership, their participation in important constitutional meetings remained low.
He said a new date for the AGM would be communicated in due course.
Mr Dwumfour urged journalists to take an active interest in the Association’s activities, stressing that their participation and commitment were essential to its success in advancing journalists’ rights and media freedom.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe