THE Eastern Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) at the weekend organised its annual get-to-gather at the Eredec Hotel in Koforidua.
In attendance were the Eastern Regional Minister, Mr Samuel Ofosu Ampofo, his deputy, Mr Baba Jamal, the Member of Parliament (MP) for Okere, Mr Dan Botwe, some District Chief Executives (DCEs), heads of department, and security operatives in the region, as well as the President of the GJA, Mr Ransford Tetteh.
Although the association for the first time barred non-members from attending the function due to the misconduct of some of them at similar functions, a few, however, managed to attend but were restrained from involving in any activity that would tarnish the GJA’s reputation.
Apart from dining, drinking and discussing the welfare of the association’s members and how they could help advance the development of the communities in the region, the ceremony also created a platform for some of the members such as Castro Zangina Tong of Ghanaian Times and dignitaries like Baba Jamal to exhibit their talents in comedy to entertain the gathering that turned the event to a festival of laughter.
Members who were hoping to see the DCE for Suhum, Kraboa-Coaltar, Mr Samuel Fleischer-Kwabi on the floor to give out some melodious old high life songs as he did at a recent receptions organised by the regional minister, were disappointed because Mr Fleisher-Kwabi could not do so due to sore throat.
In an address, Mr Ofosu Ampofo urged the media practitioners to come up with useful information that would advance society, adding that the success of society depended on useful information.
Mr Ofosu Ampofo also appealed to the media to ensure that the three arms of government, namely the executive, legislature and judiciary worked effectively, efficiently and harmoniously for the benefit of the entire nation.
He further stated that since the region was endowed with natural resources and numerous tourist attractions, it was the responsibility of the media to highlight them to attract both local and foreign investors for their exploitation for the benefit of the region.
“As media personnel, you have a responsibility to ensure that the three arms of government, would work for the benefit of the nation,” Mr Ofosu Ampofo stated.
The regional minister stressed the need for the media to help disseminate information that would curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in the area, giving the assurance that the Regional Co-ordinating Council would offer the necessary support to journalists in the region to enable them to execute their duties.
For his part, Mr Ransford Tetteh said journalists should not carry out their activities in such a way that would demean the country’s political leaders, emphasising that they should always abide by the code of ethics of the profession.
“We must abide by our code of ethics, offer constructive criticism in our reportage that should not endanger society or demean our political leaders,” Mr Ransford Tetteh stated.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Eastern Regional Chapter of the GJA, Mr Edmund Quaynor expressed disgust about the manner some people had styled themselves as journalists to defraud the public.
Mr Quanor said one of such persons in the region had been arrested, prosecuted and imprisoned, warning that the GJA was determined to flush out such deviants and called for support from members.
Both Baba Jamal and Mr Emmanuel Safo, a veteran journalist formerly with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, advised the journalists to strive for excellence in their reportage.
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