On Monday, June 30, 2025, members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) went to the polls across the country to elect new national and regional executives.
It was a momentous occasion — not only for the GJA but for Ghana’s media landscape as a whole. Peaceful, transparent, and well-coordinated, the elections set a hopeful tone for the future of journalism in our beloved country.
As Chairman of the 2025 GJA Elections Committee, I can testify firsthand that organising these elections was no walk in the park. It was more like navigating a minefield — an experience that tested not only our systems but also our resolve. This was not my first rodeo.
I had been here before, in 2022, under far more dramatic circumstances. Then, as Secretary to the Elections Committee, I stepped into the breach with my colleague, Doris Kuwuornu, after our Chairman resigned abruptly five days before the election. We rose to the occasion, executed a credible election, and set a new benchmark for professionalism.
In 2025, I returned — this time, as Chairman. I had the honour of working with two exceptional professionals: Mrs. Beatrice Asamani Savage and Mr. Kwaku Owusu-Peprah. Together, we formed a cohesive, committed, and high-performing team.
We were ably supported by Mr. Dottoh Kwaah from the Electoral Commission of Ghana, whose neutrality and diligence brought technical rigour to our process. And let me not forget Mr. Solomon Fosu, our IT Support Coordinator, whose quiet efficiency helped us implement our first-ever regulated proxy voting system.
From Accra to Wa, Takoradi to Tamale, Cape Coast to Ho, over 800 journalists exercised their democratic right to vote. Voting started at 8:00 a.m. and closed at 3:00 p.m., with prompt and transparent counting that followed.
The committee’s ability to manage simultaneous voting across national and regional centres — including major media institutions and regional capitals — reflected not just logistical mastery, but deep stakeholder cooperation.
At the national level, incumbent President Mr. Albert Dwumfour was re-elected with a decisive 64% of the vote, defeating Mr. Charles Mawusi, who garnered 36%. Mr. Dwumfour’s campaign, built on his track record over the past three years, clearly resonated with the majority. Other key national victories included Madam Rebecca Ekpe, Editor of GBConline, who secured 60% of the vote to become the new Vice President, defeating Madam Mary Mensah of the Daily Graphic. Mr. Dominic Hlordzi of GBC, also emerged as General Secretary with a commanding 64% of the vote.
Yet behind the scenes, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
From the onset, you could sense mischief brewing. Petitions started flying from all directions. The atmosphere was laced with suspicion and conspiracy theories. A forged voters’ register began circulating on social media, clearly aimed at sowing confusion and mistrust. Thankfully, our Committee acted swiftly, urging members to rely solely on the official register signed by the GJA General Secretary and Treasurer. The mischief was neutralised before it could gain traction — a testament to the vigilance and professionalism we brought to bear.
Proxy voting, one of our most significant innovations, became a lightning rod for controversy. Introduced under strict guidelines to accommodate journalists whose assignments made in-person voting impractical, it included an online application process, document verification, and official approvals. It was a milestone in democratic inclusion. But some vocal critics, either misinformed or willfully disruptive, sought to vilify the process. Ironically, when we organised a virtual public forum to explain the system and address concerns, not a single one of the petitioners showed up. For me, that silence spoke volumes.
We treated every petition seriously, even those from individuals not in good standing with the Association — a basic requirement to qualify as a voter or petitioner. Every submission received a written response. Still, one must ask: how can you break rules you don’t acknowledge? Sadly, some individuals appeared more interested in disrupting the process than in upholding its integrity.
I came under pressure myself — the kind meant to destabilise. Whispers circulated that I might “do a 2022” and resign. But I was clear: “This Chairman is going nowhere.” I am a Barracks Boy — raised in the discipline and toughness of Burma Camp by a military father. And I am a proud product of St. Augustine’s College (APSU), where the motto “Omnia Vincit Labor” — Perseverance Conquers All — is etched into our hearts. We don’t run from storms; we weather them.
That is exactly what we did. Against the odds, we delivered a peaceful, credible, and inclusive election. And while there were challenges, there were also important milestones: the successful introduction of regulated proxy voting, countrywide coordination across 10 regions, and the deep involvement of Electoral Commission personnel who lent credibility and structure to the entire process.
There’s a bigger lesson here about trust. Within the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), where I serve on Council and Chair the International Relations Committee, we recently conducted elections using online voting — and proxy votes were accepted without protest. The difference? Trust in the process and the people running it. Within the GJA, years of mistrust have hardened into habitual suspicion. But trust, once earned, can be restored — and the 2025 elections have shown the first green shoots of that renewal.
In my post-election remarks, I urged all members: “The elections are over. Let us now close ranks, build bridges, and move forward in unity under the leadership of our new executives.” The media industry is facing existential challenges — misinformation, political interference, commercial pressures, and shrinking newsroom budgets. We cannot afford to be divided. We must unite, not just around leadership, but around shared values: truth, professionalism, integrity.
To those elected: congratulations. Yours is a call to humble service. To those who lost: your courage to stand must be applauded. Democracy needs brave contenders as much as it needs winners.
Let me also thank the Electoral Commission of Ghana, the Ghana Police Service, the GJA staff, independent observers, and all other stakeholders who contributed to this successful exercise. Most importantly, I salute every journalist who voted. Participation is the lifeblood of democracy.
As I step away — having declared that this is my final assignment for the GJA — I do so with my head held high. I have no interest in breaking Mr. Ben Assorow’s record as the most frequent GJA Elections Committee Chairman. I’ve served, I’ve delivered, and I’ve upheld my oath.
To those who tried — and failed — to smear my name: I cherish my reputation. It’s built over decades of public service, and I will defend it vigorously. Truth matters. So does decency.
And to the mischief-makers and manipulators whose tactics failed, my message remains unchanged: “Not this Chairman.”
Let the record show: When the GJA needed calm in chaos, order in confusion, and courage in crisis — this Chairman stayed, stood, and served.
May God bless the GJA.
May God bless Ghana.
And may truth forever remain our guiding light.
