Members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will head to the polls on June 30 to elect new executives to lead the Association for the next three years. This follows the successful completion of the nomination process by the elections committee set up to oversee the conduct of this important exercise.
In the spirit of transparency and fairness, the committee has not only received and vetted nominations but has also published the list of members in good standing and clarified the rules regarding proxy voting.
Candidates have been actively traversing the country, visiting media organisations to present their vision, share their ideas, and solicit votes from their colleagues. As members of the fourth estate of the realm, journalists play a critical role in sustaining the country’s democracy. They inform, educate, and entertain the public while shaping national discourse, influencing public opinion, and holding power to account.
This role however, comes with great responsibility―Journalists can only hold others accountable when they themselves operate within the highest ethical and professional standards.
During national elections, the media serves as a watchdog, ensuring the process remains free, fair, and credible. In Ghana, the media has contributed significantly to consolidating democracy and safeguarding transparency in electoral processes over the past three decades of constitutional governance.
To continue playing this vital role, media practitioners must consistently demonstrate professionalism, impartiality, and accuracy—particularly in news coverage and editorial commentary.
It is against this background that we urge all candidates in the GJA elections to be guided by the core values of journalism: integrity, truth, and service. Campaign messages must be measured, realistic, and reflective of the resources available to the Association. Candidates must resist the temptation to make grand promises that cannot be fulfilled.
As journalists, we are often the first to call out political leaders for unfulfilled promises. It is, therefore, incumbent upon us to hold ourselves to the same standard. Programmes and policies are only meaningful if they are backed by the resources needed to translate them into tangible results.
The Ghanaian Times commends the GJA Elections Committee for its diligent efforts thus far in ensuring a credible and transparent electoral process.
We also applaud the candidates for the high level of professionalism and decorum they have exhibited throughout their campaigns and urge them to maintain this commendable standard.
A common thread in the campaign messages has been the emphasis on opportunities for career development, raising ethical standards, promoting professionalism, and improving member welfare.
These are laudable goals, and we at The Ghanaian Times strongly support initiatives that will enhance ethical standards and open more pathways for professional growth in journalism.
As we approach June 30, we call on all members in good standing to come out in their numbers and vote. Every vote counts. Let us give the Association the steadfast and visionary leadership it deserves.
The public is watching and the outcome of this election is not just about the future of the GJA—it is a reflection of our commitment to integrity, accountability, and responsible leadership.
The choice is ours and we must be guided by the principles we uphold in our profession: truth, transparency, humility, and service.
We have no excuse to fail.
