The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) ushered in a new era of leadership in the Northern Region with the swearing-in of its newly elected executive officers. Mr. Yakubu Abdul-Majeed assumed the role of Regional Chairman, Mr. Albert Futukpor took on the responsibilities of Regional Secretary, and Miss Joyce Kantam Kolamong became the Regional Treasurer. Their election, unopposed during the GJA National and Regional Executive Elections held on June 30, 2025, signifies a unified front and a clear mandate for the incoming leadership. This new team is tasked with steering the GJA’s affairs in the Northern Region for the next three years, a period crucial for shaping the media landscape and upholding journalistic standards in the area. The swearing-in ceremony, presided over by His Lordship Justice Emmanuel Bart-Plange Brew, Supervising High Court Judge of the Northern Region, underscored the solemnity and significance of the occasion. The ceremony also included the swearing-in of Mr. Mohammed Fugu as the unopposed North East Regional Chairman, highlighting the GJA’s expanding reach and influence across the country.
The unopposed election of the Northern Regional executives suggests a strong consensus within the GJA’s membership and a shared vision for the future of journalism in the region. This unity bodes well for the incoming leadership, allowing them to focus on their agenda without the distractions of internal divisions. Their unanimous selection also speaks to the confidence and trust placed in their abilities by their fellow journalists. Mr. Yakubu, Mr. Futukpor, and Miss Kolamong bring a diverse range of experiences and expertise to their respective roles, promising a balanced and effective leadership team. Their collective commitment to the GJA’s mission will be vital in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for the media landscape in the Northern Region. This new leadership team inherits a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of journalism, advocate for press freedom, and promote the welfare of journalists in the region.
The swearing-in ceremony served as a formal and symbolic transition of power, marking the beginning of the new executive officers’ tenure. His Lordship Justice Brew’s administration of the oath of office and oath of allegiance reinforced the gravity of their responsibilities and their commitment to serving the GJA and the broader journalistic community. The judge’s remarks further emphasized the vital role of the media in a democratic society, underscoring the need for diligence, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to accountability and sustainable national development. These words serve as a guiding principle for the new leadership, reminding them of the importance of their work and the impact it has on the region and the nation as a whole. The ceremony also served as a public declaration of the GJA’s commitment to upholding the principles of ethical journalism and promoting a vibrant and responsible media landscape.
Mr. Yakubu’s assurance to the GJA membership, delivered on behalf of the newly sworn-in executives, highlighted their dedication to serving the interests of journalists in the Northern Region. His pledge to work collectively underscores the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving their goals. Their priority of defending and protecting journalists signifies a recognition of the challenges faced by media professionals, particularly in an environment where press freedom can be threatened. This commitment to advocacy will be crucial in ensuring the safety and security of journalists, allowing them to carry out their duties without fear of reprisal. The new leadership’s commitment to fostering a supportive and protective environment for journalists will be essential for fostering a thriving and independent media landscape.
The inclusion of Mr. Mohammed Fugu’s swearing-in as the North East Regional Chairman during the same ceremony highlights the GJA’s expanding footprint and the growing recognition of its importance across different regions of Ghana. This expansion reflects the GJA’s commitment to representing journalists across the country and ensuring that their voices are heard. Mr. Fugu’s unopposed election, mirroring the situation in the Northern Region, suggests a strong sense of unity and purpose within the GJA’s membership across different geographical areas. The simultaneous swearing-in ceremonies symbolize a unified front for the GJA and a shared dedication to promoting journalistic excellence across the nation.
The newly elected executive officers of the GJA in the Northern and North East Regions assume their roles at a critical juncture for the media landscape in Ghana. They inherit a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of journalism, advocate for press freedom, and promote the welfare of journalists in their respective regions. Their unopposed elections suggest a strong mandate and a unified vision for the future of journalism. Their commitment to working collaboratively and defending the rights of journalists bodes well for the future of the media in these regions. The guidance provided by His Lordship Justice Brew serves as a constant reminder of the importance of their work and the impact it has on society. The simultaneous swearing-in ceremonies symbolize the GJA’s expanding reach and its unwavering commitment to promoting a vibrant, responsible, and independent media landscape across Ghana.
