Accra, July 25, GNA – Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), says the Association is working with the US Embassy to train some 100 Ghanaian journalists through exchange programmes.
He said the training would build the capacity of the journalists, equip them to adopt best practices and enhance professionalism.
Mr Dwumfour said this in an engagement with the media after a meeting with a delegation from the US Embassy led by Mr Kevin Brosnahan, the Press Attaché at the Embassy.
He lauded the Embassy for its continued support to the Association, especially, financial support for this year’s GJA Awards.
Mr Brosnahan stated the commitment of the Embassy to work with GJA’s new crop of leadership to enhance professionalism and promote press freedom, which he said was central to democratic and accountable governance.
“We have exchange and professional development programmes every year for journalists. That includes exchange programmes that takes place in the United States, but we also bring in experts to talk on topics like fact-checking or data Journalism.”
He said under the training, journalists would also benefit from the Edward Murrow Programme, with special focus on issues of climate change and elections.
The Press Attache expressed concerns about how Ghana had dropped in the Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index to the 60th position in the world from an initial 30th position and stressed the need for the GJA and other stakeholders to protect journalists against violent attacks in the country.
“We need to continue working together to ensure Journalists are protected. But also making sure they are aware of the appropriate code of ethics. We will work together to make sure that Journalists can tell the truth…”
GNA