The Volta Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has embarked on a new chapter in its leadership history, marked by a decisive shift in power dynamics. Delegates, in a resounding vote against the incumbent executives, ushered in a fresh wave of leadership, signaling a desire for change and a renewed focus on the association’s core values. Dr. Harrison Kofi Belley emerged victorious as the new Chairman Elect, overcoming the incumbent Emmanuel Agbaxorde in a closely contested race. The election results, which saw Belley secure 27 out of 51 valid votes cast against Agbaxorde’s 24, reflect a growing sentiment among members regarding the performance of the outgoing leadership. Allegations of underperformance had circulated within the regional chapters, potentially contributing to the significant shift in voter preference. This electoral outcome signifies a pivotal moment for the GJA Volta, presenting both opportunities and challenges for the incoming leadership.
The election results extended beyond the chairmanship, with a complete overhaul of the executive positions. Ivy Princess Setordzi, a recognized journalist from Joy News (Multimedia) in the Volta Region, secured the Vice Chairperson position with a comfortable majority of 34 votes. Similarly, the position of Treasurer witnessed a close contest, with Xorlali Nutsukpui edging out Ewoenam Kpodo by a single vote. The comprehensive nature of the leadership change underscores the members’ desire for a fresh perspective and a renewed commitment to addressing the concerns that had arisen during the previous administration. The newly elected executives, representing a diverse range of journalistic experience and backgrounds, symbolize a collective commitment to revitalizing the GJA Volta and meeting the evolving needs of its members.
The incoming leadership has articulated a vision for the GJA Volta, emphasizing collaboration, inclusivity, and a commitment to enhancing the welfare of its members. Dr. Belley, in his initial address, stressed the importance of unity and cohesion within the association, pledging to prioritize capacity building initiatives and improvements to the existing welfare system. He underscored the significance of membership drives, aiming to expand the association’s reach and ensure that all journalists in the Volta Region have the opportunity to participate in the GJA’s activities and electoral processes. This focus on inclusivity signals a commitment to broadening representation within the association and strengthening its collective voice in the media landscape.
Ivy Princess Setordzi echoed the commitment to inclusivity, highlighting her intention to prioritize the needs of veteran journalists, young professionals entering the field, and female members. This focus on diverse demographics within the GJA Volta underscores a recognition of the specific challenges and opportunities faced by different segments of the journalistic community. By addressing these specific needs, Setordzi aims to foster a more inclusive and representative environment within the association, empowering journalists from all backgrounds to thrive and contribute to the profession. This emphasis on inclusivity and representation marks a significant step towards ensuring that the GJA Volta reflects the diverse voices within the media landscape.
A key priority for the new administration is the completion of the second phase of the Press Center Project, a crucial initiative aimed at providing a dedicated space for journalists to work and collaborate. Dr. Belley has pledged to actively pursue partnerships with corporate entities to secure the necessary resources for the project’s completion. This strategic approach to resource mobilization signifies a commitment to leveraging external support to enhance the association’s infrastructure and provide its members with a state-of-the-art facility. The completion of the Press Center Project represents a significant step towards strengthening the GJA Volta’s operational capacity and providing its members with a dedicated hub for journalistic activities.
The transition in leadership within the GJA Volta marks a critical juncture in the association’s trajectory. The newly elected executives inherit both the legacy of the previous administration and the expectations of a membership seeking change and progress. Their success will depend on their ability to effectively implement their vision, build consensus among members, and navigate the challenges facing the journalistic profession in the region. The call for cooperation and support from both members and non-members underscores the importance of collective effort in achieving the GJA Volta’s goals and fostering a vibrant and thriving media landscape in the Volta Region. The incoming leadership’s commitment to inclusivity, capacity building, and infrastructure development signals a promising new era for the GJA Volta, with the potential to strengthen the association’s role in promoting journalistic excellence and advocating for the interests of its members.
