BY: Lambert Coffie | VoltaOnline
The Volta/Oti Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) celebrated World Press Freedom Day 2025 with a Get-together at the Press Centre in Ho on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The event celebrated media practitioners and honoured key stakeholders for their consistent support to the association and media development in the region.
The honourees included Mr. Dela Gadzanku, Regional Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries (Eastern/Volta/Oti); Mr. Gershon Adeklo, CEO of Loggu Motors; Mr. Christian Hokey, CEO of Doelyne Agro Ent. Ltd; Mama Atrato II, Queenmother of Ho Dome; and the Electricity Company of Ghana – Volta Region.
Special recognition was also given to former GJA Regional Chairman, Mr. A.B. Kafui Kanyi for his instrumental role in establishing the Press Centre Project, Media Village Initiative, and Regional awards.
Volta Regional Minister Hon. James Gunu, a veteran journalist and GJA member, received a congratulatory citation for his elevation to office.
GJA Regional Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Agbaxode lauded the honourees’ contributions to the association’s progress and called on others to support press freedom and development. He advocated for improved working conditions for journalists, citing low remuneration and minimal welfare support, while commending media owners for their resilience despite financial challenges. He also appealed for support to complete the regional Press Centre.
On his part, the Regional Minister assured of his commitment to a stronger media-government partnership. As a journalist himself, he pledged his support for GJA activities, as he announced a GH₵ 10,000 donation towards the Press Centre’s completion.
Speaking on the theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” Mrs. Maria Kwami Gwira, former Director of Public Affairs at UHAS, emphasized the importance of ethical journalism in the AI era, urging media practitioners to harness technology responsibly while safeguarding press freedom and professional integrity.
The ceremony, chaired by Capt. (Rtd) George Nfodzo, a former DCE and MP for Ho, was also graced by the Municipal and District Chief Executives from Ho, Ho West, and Akatsi North, who pledged support for the Press Centre project.
