By Dennis Peprah

 Sunyani, (Bono), June 23, GNA – Raphael Godlove Ahenu, a development and anti-corruption advocate on Monday said Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is losing its relevance in the nation’s governance architecture. 

 He called on members of the association to vote for competent leadership as they go to polls on June 30, 2025. 

Mr. Ahenu said: “The GJA needs a complete overhaul to make the association more relevant” and thereby contribute significantly to national progress. 

 Speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in Sunyani on the upcoming GJA national elections, Mr. Ahenu, who is also the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Media Foundation (GloMeF) said the “association has failed in its critical role as the Fourth Estate of the Realm”. 

 The nation’s largest umbrella organisation for journalists is going to polls to elect new national and regional executives to steer the affairs of the association for the next three years. 

  He said: “Journalists and the GJA, which are supposed to be the watchdog of society, have become like sleeping dogs that cannot even bark. 

 “It is unfortunate that an institution with such a powerful mandate has been reduced to mere silence on pressing national issues”, he added, stressing that “there is the need for a more dynamic, creative and innovative leadership to reposition the GJA to respond effectively to the evolving challenges in the media and political landscape. 

 “Ghana needs a vibrant GJA that will champion press freedom, demand accountability from duty-bearers, and empower journalists to uphold the ethics and integrity of the profession”, Mr. Ahenu stated. 

 He also urged members of the association to reflect and elect “leaders courageous, visionary and competent leaders to restore the credibility of the association”, saying. “If the status quo remains, the association risks becoming completely irrelevant.” 

 Mr. Ahenu called on the GJA “to rise from its slumber to protect the sanctity of journalism and contribute meaningfully to the nation’s democratic development.”