Albert Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has assured Ghanaians living in the United States of America that the Association will protect the rights of Ghanaians back home.
“Let me also take this opportunity to assure all Ghanaian citizens living in the United States of America that, as the watchdog of the people’s rights, we will work to protect the interests of all Ghanaians living in Ghana and beyond against all forms of infringement,” Mr. Dwumfour said.
Mr Dwumfour gave the assurance at the 11th edition of the annual Mega 3G Awards and Celebrity Bash which was held at the Replib Banquet Hall at the Bronx, New York over the weekend.
The event was used to award hardworking Ghanians residing in Ghana as well as America. Persons who recognised included Nana Quame, Isaac Zion Kojo Dogboe, Skipper Odartey Lamptey, renowned broadcaster, Akumaa Mama Zimbi, renowned Sports journalist and the reigning SWAG Journalist of The Year, Saddick
The GJA president was also duly recognized and acknowledged.
The GJA boss further said free press, in a democratic society, is usually the cornerstone upon which good governance, growth, progress, and development, are well measured.
“This is because the liberty of citizens in a democratic society can only be measured by the policing yardstick of media freedom,” he said.
Mr. Dwumfour took the opportunity to explain some policies his administration had just initiated to advance the interest of journalists in the country.
“Another step taken to protect the safety of journalists and promote press freedom is the setting up of the “Journalists Support Funds (JSF)”. This will help offer legal services to journalists whose rights will be violated in the course of their work. “Therefore, the era when journalists were beaten up and harmed, while the culprits went free due to the unwillingness of the police to act due to political interference is gone for good,” he said.
“As President of the GJA, one of my priorities is to create opportunities for exchange programs to strengthen the capacities of Ghanaian journalists and their foreign counterparts. I have begun discussions in this regard with some foreign missions in Ghana, including the European Union, and I believe Dr. CNN and his team will also join us for mutual benefit,” he added.
Mr. Dwumfour promised to preach the good news about the 3G Awards to entities in Ghana as well as some foreign Missions including the US Embassy in Ghana anytime he gets the opportunity.