The General Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Dominic Hlordzi, has reminded journalists of their constitutional and moral duty to hold persons entrusted with power accountable for their actions and inactions.
Speaking on behalf of the national president of the Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, at the 4th Upper East Regional GJA Awards held at the Blue Sky Hotel in Bolgatanga, Mr. Hlordzi said accountability and transparency remain at the core of responsible journalism.
“We are mandated to ensure that persons entrusted with power are held accountable for their actions and inactions,” he stated. “In the Upper East Region, where the media plays a critical role in addressing development challenges, our responsibility is magnified. By upholding public trust, we become the vital bridge between the governed and the government.”
Mr. Hlordzi commended the Upper East Regional branch of the GJA for choosing the theme, “Upholding Public Trust: The Role of the Media in Promoting Accountable Governance in the Upper East Region,” describing it as timely and central to the ethics and purpose of journalism.
He noted that the GJA’s mandate, aside from championing the welfare and safety of its members, also includes recognizing and rewarding excellence to encourage journalists to strive for higher standards of professionalism.“Awards are not just plaques and titles,” he said. “They are vital mechanisms for promoting peer review, encouraging competition, and upholding the highest professional standards within the industry.”
The GJA General Secretary congratulated the 13 award winners of the night for their dedication and professionalism, urging them to remain committed to telling stories that advance national development.
Mr. Hlordzi also expressed appreciation to the sponsors and partners of the regional awards, including WaterAid Ghana under the SHARE Project, Paga Youth Movement, Kacstone Records, Cardinal Namdini Mining Company Ltd, and the Ghana Shippers’ Authority, among others.
He further commended the Upper East Regional GJA Executive, led by Chairman Albert Sore, for organizing a “spectacular” event despite being newly elected.
“Your leadership and your team’s hard work in taking up the baton from your predecessors speak volumes of your dedication, vision, and organizational prowess,” he remarked.
Mr. Hlordzi reaffirmed the national executive’s commitment to improving the welfare, safety, and professionalism of journalists, adding that the association would ensure that issues such as membership registration and access to training opportunities are effectively addressed.
The Upper East Regional GJA Awards, which has become an annual event to celebrate journalistic excellence, was attended by traditional leaders, government officials, and representatives of corporate organizations.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah
