By Prince Ahenkorah
The Elections Committee of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has announced a successful balloting of candidates, approved after vetting to contest both national and regional executive positions of GJA Elections.
The elections scheduled to happen on June 30, 2025, features 12 out of the 13 national candidates approved by the Committee, who either picked the first or second positions to contest the six categories composing the Association’s leadership
The positions; President, Vice President, General Secretary, Organising Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Affairs Officer.
The 13th candidate, Rufai Zambaga Saminu, however, presented a letter withdrawing his candidature for the Treasurer position, before the balloting.
For the regional executive positions, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer; 17 out of the 49 candidates picked their positions for the contest in the Ashanti, Volta, Central, Upper East, Upper West and Eastern regions. Thirty-one of the candidates are running unopposed. They are, therefore, deemed duly elected as stipulated in Article 48(d)(i) of the GJA Constitution:
“Where at the close of nomination, only one person stands nominated, that candidate shall be declared elected by the Elections Committee.”
In the upcoming Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) presidential elections, the two main contenders, Charles Yao Mawusi and Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, present contrasting profiles and visions for the future of the association.
Charles Yao Mawusi boasts an impressive curriculum vitae with a strong focus on communications and media expertise. With over two decades of experience in development, journalism, and social communications, Mawusi has spearheaded numerous projects for various organizations and donor projects in Ghana.
Mawusi’s track record reflects his commitment to excellence in communication strategies and media-related initiatives. He has successfully executed consultancy assignments for reputable clients such as USAID, GIZ, World Bank, and the Ministry of Finance, demonstrating his versatility and proficiency in his field. His passion for advocating transparency, accountability, and public awareness is evident in his various campaigns and projects, aiming to drive positive change in Ghanaian society.
On the other hand, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour’s journey to the GJA presidency has been marked by controversies and allegations of misconduct. While serving as the current President of the GJA, Dwumfour has faced scrutiny over his election process, with accusations of bribery and vote-buying tarnishing his reputation.
Despite these challenges, Dwumfour has emphasized his focus on journalists’ safety, welfare, and professional development, outlining initiatives to empower GJA members and elevate the standards of the media industry.
Amidst the allegations and controversies, the promises made by Dwumfour highlight his commitment to enhancing the welfare and professional growth of journalists under his leadership. However, the lack of tangible outcomes, such as the fulfillment of promises regarding regional chairpersons’ vehicles and ID card delays, raises questions about his accountability and transparency as a leader.
On June Monday, June 30, voting will take place at six designated centres in the Greater Accra Region, five in Accra and one in Tema. There will be 10 other regional centres, with each in the Central, Eastern, Upper East, Upper West, Bono, Bono East, Ashanti, Volta, Northern and Western regions. The designated polling centres in all the regions will be communicated subsequently. At the close of polls, counting will be done at each of these centres.
The results of the Regional Executive Elections will be declared at their respective centres. However, that of the national executives will be announced and, subsequently, communicated to the Elections Committee through a designated platform for collation at the Ghana International Press Centre for declaration.
Candidates will choose their agents to represent them at the voting centres. The
Electoral Commission of Ghana, assisted by the GJA Regional Elections Officers, will conduct the elections across the country.
Meanwhile, the Elections Committee will soon announce the guidelines for the conduct of the polls.