The President of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has entreated all stakeholders to support the media to discharge their mandate effectively towards promoting the nation’s moral vision and development.
“we must refrain from attacking media practitioners to encourage them to discuss national issues without fear or favor to advance growth and development.
And where such attacks unfortunately occur, the executives, parliament, Judiciary, CSOs, Religious bodies and political parties must condemn the perpetrators for press Freedom to thrive.
The Judiciary in addition should handed out severe punish to serve as deterrent to others and help the media to discharge their mandate effectively.
Mr. Dwumfour made this statement when speaking at the 2023 National Development Conference, organized by the Church of Pentecost in partnership with the Ghana Journalists Association on the theme, “Moral Vision and National Development”
He commend the Church of Pentecost for the Conference which brings together key stakeholders to discuss the moral vision and development of the country.
The GJA President assured the entire nation of the media’s commitment in playing a positive role to help renew the moral vision of the nation and also, promote national development.
“Indeed, the media have been playing this role over the years as constitutionally mandated but believe we can do more and better and call on the media to rise to the challenge and be responsible in the discharge of their duties”.
The media he indicated, would continue to expose corruption and other ills of society saying, such exposes are normally not palatable to the elements involved. “But no matter how displeased anybody may be about the work of the media, they cannot resolve their grievances through assault. Even in instances where the media get it wrong or do anything untoward,the path of assault is not an option under the rule of law”.
Mr. Albert Dwumfour also, encouraged leaders of the Church of Pentecost and other faith-based organisations to lead the way in shaping the nation’s moral vision by using their pulpits, media, and other platforms to preach virtues rather than trade insults and quick money syndrome.
“We also expect to hear the loud voice of the Church and other religious bodies on issues of corruption, injustice, human rights abuse, impunity, and other vices in society. Furthermore, we expect the Church and other faith-based organsations to be the centerpiece of the country’s development through their active participation in the national development process”.
The Church of Pentecost International Mr. Dwumfour brought to bear, has spearheaded numerous development-focused initiatives over the years and commended the Church on the monumental efforts in ensuring a successful National Development Conference.
“Through sound Christian teachings and the inculcation of discipline in church members and the general public, the Church has moulded the public’s moral character over the years. This moral upbringing and discipline from the church helped me ascend through the ranks and become the President of the GJA, I must say. I would therefore not hesitate to say that I’m a very proud member of the Church of Pentecost International”.
