The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has reconstituted its Statutory Committees as part of efforts to strengthen the Association’s governance, professional development and strategic growth, with media professional Rebecca Ekpe appointed to chairperson the Professional Development Committee, taking a Lead Role in GJA’s Professional Development Agenda.
The decision by the National Executive of the GJA was taken pursuant to Articles 30, 31 and 32 of the Association’s 2004 Constitution, which provide for the establishment and functioning of statutory committees to support the effective administration and discharge of the Association’s constitutional responsibilities.
Swearing in the Committees at the 77th Anniversary Celebration of the GJA in Accra, President Albert Dumfour charged the Committees to adhere to the tenets of their mandate.
Ms. Ekpe’s appointment places her at the center of efforts to promote continuous professional development, capacity building and skills enhancement for journalists and media practitioners across Ghana.
As Chairperson of the Professional Development Committee, she is expected to work with members of the committee and other stakeholders to identify emerging skills gaps within the media, develop relevant training initiatives (Capacity Building) and strengthen opportunities for journalists to adapt to the rapidly changing media environment.
Her mandate comes at a time when journalism is being transformed by digital technology, artificial intelligence, social media, misinformation and new forms of content creation, requiring journalists to continuously upgrade their professional competencies.
The committee will therefore have an important role in promoting training in areas including journalism ethics, digital journalism, investigative and solutions journalism, fact-checking, data journalism, artificial intelligence, gender-sensitive reporting, strategic communication and specialized reporting.
Ms. Ekpe brings considerable experience in journalism, media leadership, training and mentorship to the role. Her work in professional development has included mentoring and supporting emerging journalists and content creators, with particular attention to young women in the media.
Her appointment is also expected to create opportunities for stronger collaboration between the GJA, media organizations, journalism training institutions, development partners and other professional bodies to provide sustainable learning opportunities for journalists.
The reconstituted GJA committees bring together seasoned journalists, media managers and experienced professionals, whose expertise is expected to contribute to advancing the objectives of the Association.
The Professional Development Committee, under Ms. Ekpe’s leadership, is expected to become an important platform for ensuring that Ghanaian journalists remain professionally competent, ethical, innovative and prepared for the future of journalism.
The move reinforces the GJA’s broader responsibility to protect the interests of journalists while contributing to higher standards of journalism and a stronger media industry in Ghana.
