Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of Ghana Journalists Association is seeking re-election

Journalists across the country will soon receive official Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) membership cards that come with tangible healthcare benefits, the President of the Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has announced.

The cards, he said, will allow members to access medical care at selected health facilities under a new Journalists' Insurance Policy—part of sweeping welfare reforms he intends to deepen in a second term.

Dwumfour, who is contesting for a second and final term in the upcoming GJA elections on June 30, 2025, made these revelations on the Ekosii Sen program on Asempa FM on Friday, June 20, 2025. He is listed as number one on the ballot paper.

Running on the theme “Legacy Regime: Securing Our Achievements” and the enduring slogan #JournalistsLivesMatter, the incumbent president laid out an agenda focused on continuity, protection of press freedom, and enhanced journalist welfare.

“We are building an association that is giving hope to journalists,” he declared. “We want our members to feel safe. If you attack a journalist, you’ve attacked me—the President. And I will make sure you suffer the consequences. We will come after you.”

Highlighting his campaign values—Tested, Dedicated, Proven, and Accountable—Dwumfour emphasized that his first term was a foundation period and called on GJA members to “help finish the building.”

“All the big things we’ve done, and those we’ve started, were due to your support,” he stated, referencing projects and partnerships rolled out during his tenure. “Let’s finish what we started. Let’s protect the legacy.”

He also addressed critics who question his direct impact, urging members to consider the broader picture.

“Someone asked me what we’ve done for him directly. I told him he might not see it personally, but we’re transforming the Association. A vibrant and proactive GJA and a freer media environment—that’s what every journalist should wish for.”

The highlight of his interview was the announcement of the upcoming GJA Membership Card, which will serve more than just identification purposes.

“We have proposals from three companies, and once finalized, the card will give journalists access to medical care at selected hospitals at least once a year,” he revealed. “This will help us deal with stress and the health challenges we go through as media professionals.”

The proposed insurance initiative is expected to mark a milestone in the Association’s efforts to enhance the welfare of journalists—a vision long called for by members nationwide.

Dwumfour also reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom and journalist protection through both legal and institutional support.

“The dream of every journalist is to have a safe space,” he said. “That is what we are building—an Association that stands with its members in times of need.”

With just days to the election, he urged journalists to vote to “secure the legacy” and continue the reforms. His leadership, he stressed, is rooted in results and accountability.

“I am grateful to all journalists for their support. Still: #JournalistsLivesMatter.”

The GJA elections will be held nationwide on June 30, 2025, across all GJA-approved polling stations.