Daniel Orlando | VoltaOnline
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Monday, June 30, 2025, went to the polls to elect executives at both national and regional levels, in a peaceful and transparent exercise hailed as a testament to the Association’s democratic maturity.
In the Volta Region, Dr Harrison Kofi Belley was elected Regional Chairman after polling 27 votes to unseat the incumbent, Mr Emmanuel Elikplim Kwabla Agbaxode, who garnered 24 votes. The closely contested election witnessed keen interest from media practitioners across the region.
Other elected regional executives include Madam Ivy Setordzi, who secured the Vice Chairperson position with 34 votes against Mr MacLean Nordzi’s 17; and Mr King Freeman Xorlali Nutsukpoe, who was elected Treasurer with 26 votes, narrowly edging out the incumbent, Madam Ewoenam Kpodo, who had 25 votes. Mr Lambert Kofi Atsivor was elected unopposed as the Regional Secretary.
Moments after the declaration of results at the Press Centre in Ho, Mr Agbaxode moved to congratulate Dr Belley and assured him of his support—an act widely commended as a gesture of statesmanship and unity.
Earlier in the day, the Volta Regional Minister, Hon. James Gunu, who is also a member of the Association, visited the venue to solidarise with all candidates. While he declined to exercise his franchise, he assured the contestants of his unwavering support for whoever would be elected to lead the affairs of the media in the region.
In his victory remarks, Dr Belley pledged to foster unity and inclusiveness among journalists in the region. He also outlined plans to implement a transparent dues system and establish a robust welfare mechanism to support members.
“This is a victory not just for me, but for all journalists in the Volta Region. We must now come together, regardless of our differences during the elections, and work as one body to uplift the standards of journalism and the welfare of our members,” he stated.
At the national level, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour retained the presidency of the Association with a commanding 64.49 per cent of valid votes cast, defeating his only contender, Mr Charles Yao Mawusi, who polled 245 votes, representing 35.51 per cent. Mr Dwumfour, who is also the Managing Editor of the Daily Analyst, is set to continue a second term focused on deepening press freedom, strengthening institutional capacity, and improving member welfare.
Other national executives elected include:
- Vice President: Ms Rebecca Ekpe – 414 votes (60.35%)
- General Secretary: Mr Dominic Hlordzi – 443 votes (64.20%)
- Organising Secretary: Mr Suleiman Mustapha – 365 votes (53.21%)
- Public Affairs Officer: Mr Zadok Kwame Gyesi – 431 votes (63.01%)
- Treasurer: Ms Bertha Badu-Agyei – 401 votes (58.28%)
The elections recorded high voter turnout, with over 680 ballots cast in each of the key national portfolios. The process was supervised by the Electoral Commission with support from the GJA Elections Committee.
The outcome of both the national and regional polls has been widely welcomed by stakeholders, with optimism that the new leadership will usher in a period of renewed energy, transparency, and unity within the Association.
