Mahama, Ag. CJ to Grace GJA Swearing-In Ceremony Friday

President John Dramani Mahama and Acting Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie are expected to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the newly elected national executives of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Friday, July 11, 2025.

The ceremony, set to take place at the Accra International Conference Centre, will see Justice Baffoe-Bonnie administer the oaths of office to the new leadership team elected during the GJA’s national and regional elections held on June 30.

A press statement issued by the General Secretary of GJA, Mr Dominic Hlordzi, and copied to the press, confirmed that President Mahama’s presence would underscore his administration’s commitment to press freedom and democratic governance.

New Leadership Takes Office

The election saw the re-election of Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour for a second three-year term as President of the Association. Other elected executives include:

• Mrs Bertha Badu-Agyei – National Treasurer
• Ms Rebecca Ekpe – Vice President
• Mr Dominic Hlordzi – General Secretary
• Mr Mustapha Suleiman – Organising Secretary
• Mr Zadok Kwame Gyesi – Public Affairs Officer

“The swearing-in will see these new leaders officially commit to upholding journalistic principles and steering the Association into a new chapter,” Mr Hlordzi said.

Dignitaries Expected at Ceremony

Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, judicial representatives, and members of the Diplomatic Corps are expected to be in attendance. Their presence is expected to reaffirm the importance of a free, responsible, and vibrant press in Ghana’s development.

The ceremony will also witness the inauguration of regional GJA executives by Justices of the Superior Courts.

Ashanti Region Swearing-In on Hold

Meanwhile, the GJA Election Dispute Adjudication Committee (EDAC) has postponed the swearing-in of the newly elected Ashanti Regional executives.

Mr Zakaria Tanko Musah, Chair of the EDAC, said the Committee had received a petition challenging the outcome of the election for Ashanti Regional Chairperson.

“Given the ongoing petition concerning the Ashanti Region, we respectfully request that the swearing-in for the Ashanti Region executives be postponed until after the determination of this matter,” he stated.

The GJA says the new executives, guided by Article 3 of the Association’s 2004 Constitution, will work to strengthen ethical and professional journalism, ensuring the media continues to play a key role in promoting transparency and national development.