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Honouring Bold Voices of Free Press

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 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  The ballroom of the Alisa Hotel in Roman Ridge came alive with lights, applause, and spirited conversations last night, as the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) ushered in a new tradition in the celebration of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD). Breaking away from the usual daylight flag-raising at the Ghana International Press Centre, this year's event was transformed into a night of elegance and purpose. The first-ever World Press Freedom Day and Honors Night held under the timely theme: “Celebrating Champions of Press Freedom and Ghana’s Media Growth; Building a Resilient Media in the Era of AI.” It was a moment not just of celebration, but of critical reflection on the shifting sands of journalism in the digital age. Minority Leader in Parliament, Mr. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, struck a firm yet hopeful chord in his keynote address, acknowledging the courage of Ghanaian journalists in navigating new and evolving threats. "In an era where artificial in...

GJA Demands Justice, Defends Press Freedom

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 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour  The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has delivered a strong call for justice, accountability, and the protection of press freedom in Ghana at a news conference held today at the Ghana International Press Centre. Addressing journalists, media stakeholders, and invited guests, Mr. Dwumfour emphasized the association’s unyielding commitment to seeking justice for slain journalist Ahmed Suale.  While acknowledging the arrest and trial of a suspect, the GJA President expressed dissatisfaction with the pace and transparency of the investigation, reiterating the GJA’s intention to escalate the matter to the ECOWAS Court of Justice if necessary. “We will only shift from our position when we are totally convinced that justice is at hand,” Mr. Dwumfour stated, adding that similar international action is being considered in the case of journalist Latif Iddrisu. The...

Faith and Unity Define 2025 Easter

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By Shine Esi Kwawukumey President John Dramani Mahama  Ghanaians across the nation commemorated Easter 2025 with a blend of solemn religious observances and vibrant cultural festivities. The season unfolded with a strong sense of hope, resilience, and togetherness, underscoring the enduring significance of the season.​ On Friday, April 18, President John Dramani Mahama addressed thousands gathered at the Black Star Square for the annual Good Friday Miracle Service organised by the Lighthouse Group of Churches.  President Mahama at the Good Friday Miracle Service  In a message that was both pastoral and presidential, he drew inspiration from the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ to speak on the urgent need for national renewal. “I believe with all my heart that our dear nation Ghana shall rise again,” he declared, to loud applause.  “Our economy shall recover, our youth will find opportunity, our families will flourish and thrive.” He called on citizens, churches, ...

Ghana Marks Eid Mubarak with Extended Holiday

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 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  President John Dramani Mahama with National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu Ghana's Muslim community marked this year's Eid al-Fitr with heightened enthusiasm, celebrating the culmination of Ramadan under a newly instituted two-day public holiday.  This initiative, championed by President John Dramani Mahama, underscores the nation's commitment to honoring its diverse cultural and religious heritage.​ Muslims gathered at the Black Star Square  Thousands of Muslims gathered at the Black Star Square in Accra today to observe Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of the sacred month of Ramadan.  The event, which brought together worshippers from across the country, was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, the National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, and other dignitaries. President John Dramani Mahama  In a heartfelt message to the nation, President Mahama emphasized the significance of Eid as a time for gratitude, refle...

Jazz Luminaries Ignite WIUC-Ghana's Debut Night

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 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  Wisconsin International University College, Ghana (WIUC-Ghana) struck a harmonious chord on the evening of Thursday, March 20th, by hosting its inaugural Jazz Night a vibrant testament to the university's dedication to broadening its musical horizons.​ Set against the backdrop of the administration forecourt, this pioneering event marked the Music Department's official embrace of jazz, drawing an impressive assembly of students, faculty, and local jazz enthusiasts.​ A collaborative effort between WIUC-Ghana’s School of Communication Studies' Music Department, the Ghana Jazz Foundation, and the GhJazz Collective, Jazz Night stood out as a highlight of the university’s Silver Jubilee Anniversary festivities.​ Opening Performance by the Music School  The evening unfolded with an opening performance by the Music Department, setting an inviting tone.  The spotlight then shifted to the GhJazz Collective, featuring accomplished artists: Bernard Ayi...

Calls For Stronger Media Protection

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 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour speaking at the news conference, today. The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has strongly condemned recent attacks on journalists and called for urgent action to protect media professionals in the country.  Speaking today at a news conference at the Ghana International Press Centre, the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, outlined pressing concerns within the media industry, including journalist safety, press freedom, and national issues such as illegal mining and infrastructure challenges. Mr. Dwumfour decried the brutal assault of three journalists on February 21, 2025, in the Western Region by illegal small-scale miners (galamsey operators).  The victims: Theophilus Akwasi Agyei Annim (Citi FM/Channel One TV), Henry Emil Fynn (Angel TV), and Jacob Adu-Baah (ABC News/Rok FM) were reportedly attacked while covering environmental destruction in the Breman Adomanya Forest. “This attack is barbaric...

STAR-Ghana Dialogue Ignites Active Citizenship

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 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey  The STAR-Ghana Foundation successfully hosted its annual Akoto Ampaw Active Citizenship Dialogue (AAACD), bringing together distinguished speakers, civil society leaders, and governance advocates to discuss the role of activism in shaping Ghana’s democratic future. Themed “Inter-Generational Dialogue for Active Citizenship: Lessons and Opportunities for the Future,” the event featured a distinguished panel, including veteran journalist and human rights activist Prof. Kwame Karikari, gender and human rights specialist at FIDA Ms. Susan Aryeetey, investigative journalist and digital activist Manasseh Azure-Awuni, and youth activist and governance advocate Ms. Felicity Nelson.  Their insights sparked engaging discussions that earned continuous applause from an enthusiastic audience throughout the event. Bernard Avle  The highlight of the event was the keynote address by ace broadcast journalist and Citi FM General Manager, Bernard Avle, who del...