GJA President Calls for Stronger Solidarity and Protection of Journalists at FAJ Meeting in Accra
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called for stronger continental solidarity, improved journalist safety and welfare, and responsible adaptation to technology as African journalists confront growing challenges.
He made the remarks in a welcome address at the opening of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ) Steering Committee Meeting held at the Fiesta Royal Hotel in Accra on September 17, 2026.
Mr. Dwumfour welcomed the FAJ leadership, including President Omar Faruk Osman, government officials, media executives and delegates from across Africa to Ghana.
He expressed gratitude to the Federation for selecting Ghana as host and to KGL Group for its support in organising the meeting.
Highlighting Ghana’s democratic journey, the GJA President said the media had played a significant role in promoting public accountability, transparency and informed citizen participation. He stressed that press freedom remains a fundamental pillar of democratic society and must be protected without fear, intimidation or undue interference.
At the same time, he emphasised the need for responsible journalism that upholds accuracy, fairness, independence and ethics.
Turning to the state of African journalism, Mr. Dwumfour noted that journalists across the continent continue to face physical attacks, threats, harassment, arbitrary arrests and legal pressures. He said media organisations are also grappling with difficult economic conditions that threaten quality journalism.
He insisted that the safety and welfare of journalists must remain central to the collective agenda, adding that no journalist should have to choose between professional duty and personal safety.
On technology, he acknowledged that digital transformation has created both opportunities and challenges, including misinformation, online harassment and the rise of artificial intelligence. He urged journalists to embrace innovation while remaining firmly grounded in professional ethics and the public interest.
Mr. Dwumfour also outlined steps the GJA has taken to strengthen its own institution, including the launch of a new website, digitalisation of the 30th GJA Media Awards, reconstitution of statutory committees and intensified engagement on journalist safety.
He announced that Ghana has submitted a bid to host the 6th FAJ Conference and expressed the Association’s readiness to work with the Federation to make it a successful continental gathering.
The GJA President urged the Steering Committee to move from discussion to concrete action, identifying practical strategies to strengthen the protection of journalists, improve media sustainability and prepare the profession for technological change.
He concluded by calling for renewed determination to defend press freedom, protect journalists, promote ethical journalism and build independent, credible and sustainable media institutions across Africa.
