By Vivian Amoah
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called for stronger support for the media industry to ensure journalists can work effectively and contribute to Ghana’s democratic development.
Speaking at the GJA’s 77th anniversary symposium at the British Council in Accra on August 19, 2026, Mr. Dwumfour said press freedom alone was not enough, stressing the need for journalists to uphold professionalism, ethics and accountability.
Under the theme “GJA at 77: Building on Our Legacy, Advancing Ethical Journalism and Shaping the Future of Digital Media,” he said journalists were facing growing challenges including political polarisation, misinformation, economic pressures, threats to media sustainability and attacks, particularly on digital platforms.
He called on media owners and managers to improve the welfare and working conditions of journalists, arguing that the profession could not attract and retain talented young people if journalism was treated as a career without dignity or security.
Mr. Dwumfour also urged journalists to adapt responsibly to emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence. While acknowledging AI’s usefulness in research, transcription, translation and data analysis, he warned against its misuse in producing fabricated content and misinformation.
He said human judgement, curiosity, courage and conscience remained essential to journalism, noting that technology could assist journalists but could not replace their professional responsibility to verify information.
The GJA President further announced the upcoming 30th GJA Media Awards, saying entries would be submitted through the Association’s new website to improve accessibility, efficiency and transparency.
He appealed to government, media owners, Corporate Ghana, development partners and citizens to support a free, credible and financially sustainable media industry.
Mr. Dwumfour said the GJA’s future depended on building on its 77-year legacy while preparing journalists and the Association to meet the challenges of the changing media environment.
