General

GJA Reschedules Annual General Meeting Due to Public Holidays

Accra: The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has rescheduled its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) following the declaration of public holidays on March 31 and April 1 by the President of the Republic of Ghana.

According to Ghana News Agency, a statement signed by Mr. Kofi Yeboah, General Secretary of the Association, announced that the AGM, originally scheduled for Monday, March 31, will now take place on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, at 11:00 am at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra. The AGM is the highest decision-making body of the Association and is convened in line with articles 34(f) and 34(a)(ii) of the GJA Constitution, 2004.

The meeting will focus on deliberations regarding the General Secretary's Annual Report, the audited accounts to be presented by the National Treasurer, and regional reports. Members will also discuss other matters of interest. The statement indicated that all members in good standing as of December 31, 2024, are eligible to attend, with full members retaining voting rights. Honorary and student members may participate but will not have voting privileges.

The public holidays on March 31 and April 1 have been declared by Executive Instrument (EI) in accordance with Section 2 of the Public Holidays and Commemorative Days Act, 2001 (Act 601). These holidays commemorate Eid ul-Fitr, the Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan. In Ghana, the occasion is observed as a national holiday, allowing participation in religious and social activities that foster unity and charity.

The GJA, established in 1949, is the umbrella body for journalists and media practitioners in Ghana. It serves as a professional association dedicated to promoting ethical standards, media freedom, and the protection of journalists. The Association has significantly contributed to advocating for press freedom and upholding responsible journalism principles in the country.

The core mandate of the GJA includes strengthening journalists' capacity, ensuring adherence to the GJA Code of Ethics, and engaging stakeholders on media industry issues. Through training programmes, partnerships, and advocacy, the Association continues to enhance the professional competence of its members and defend their rights. The GJA also collaborates with local and international organisations to promote democratic governance and development through the media.