The leadership of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has engaged the Ghana News Agency (GNA) to discuss ways to strengthen the Agency’s operations and address its challenges.
The meeting, held at the GNA headquarters in Accra, on Tuesday, underscored the importance of a well-resourced national news agency in supporting journalism and promoting credible news dissemination in Ghana.
Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, said the Association was committed to advocating for media institutions, as their success directly impacted the welfare of journalists and the quality of information available to the public.
He lauded the GNA for its role in advancing journalism in the country and noted that many of its journalists had contributed to the leadership of the Association over the years.
The GJA President reiterated the Association’s commitment to advocating for media freedom and the independence of journalistic institutions.
He said a vibrant and well-supported GNA was essential for the country’s democracy and national development.
He also assured journalists that the GJA would continue to champion their welfare and push for improved remuneration and working conditions.
Mr Albert Kofi Owusu, General Manager of the GNA, used the opportunity to call on the Government to recapitalise the Agency to enhance its efficiency and sustainability.
He stated that while the GNA had the capacity to be highly productive, years of inadequate funding had constrained its operations.
He noted that poor remuneration had led to high attrition rates, with the Agency regularly losing some of its best talents to other media houses and sectors.
Despite these challenges, Mr Owusu reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to professionalism and ethical journalism.
He emphasised that the credibility of GNA stories remained intact, making the Agency one of the most reliable sources of news in the country. “In spite of the challenges, you see the journalists always doing their best to maintain high professionalism. So, hardly will you have somebody take a GNA story and question its credibility,” he said.
Established in March 1957, the Ghana News Agency is the nation’s first and only state-owned wire service, playing a vital role in gathering and disseminating news for both local and international audiences.
Over the decades, the Agency has remained a pillar of credible journalism, supplying news content to media houses across the country.
It has correspondents stationed in all the regions, ensuring coverage of national events and developments.
The GJA delegation included Mr Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary; Mrs Audrey Dekalu, National Treasurer; and Mr Dominic Hlordzi, Organising Secretary. The GNA team comprised Mrs Beatrice Asamani Savage, Director of Editorial; Mr Joseph Baffoe, Director of Administration; Mr Norbert Asenso, Business Development Manager; Madam Agnes Boye-Doe and Mr Kenneth Sackey, Deputy News Editors; Mr Felix Attukwei Quaye, Head of IT; and Mr Jonas Eshun, Head of Accounts.