Story by: William Sarpong
As part of the current GJA President’s campaign promise to engage all veterans and senior editors for all-inclusive Administration, plans are far in advanced to launch a Retirees Support Fund to take care of their financial challenges.
Meanwhile, there are preparations to launch the GJA Journalists Support Fund under which the Retirees Support Fund falls.
The Fund is expected to be launched on November 2, 2022 to mark the international day to end impunity for crimes committed against journalists.
The Journalists Support Fund seeks to address issues of assaults on journalists as the current administration is poised to end attacks on journalists which is a major affront to press freedom.
The vision of Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour comprises, the Welfare of Journalists, Rebranding of the Association, ensure Membership drive, Constitutional Review, Strengthening the regional branches among others.
At a forum with the Retirees to seek advise from them on pertinent issues of national interest, the President of Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour stated, ” it is instructive to state that the GJA Retirees Support Fund is an initiative that is being championed by the Dwumfour-led administration to support our seniors and retirees, some of whom are faced with financial challenges”.
GJA he revealed, believe that the Retirees Support Fund when launched and becomes operational, would help assuage the suffering of some of our Retirees and put smiles on their faces.
He pointed out that, a nation that does not appreciate and honour its heroes or pioneers is not worth dying for saying, looking at the roles and contributions made the veterans who often referred to as the primus Inter pares of the time, they deserve to be taken care of at their old age.
“Most of you have played and continue to play vital roles in the media and we will need to tap into your experience and support”.
Explaining the realities on the ground after taking charge as new officers, Mr. Kwabena Dwumfour hinted that, they inherited debts and liabilities.
“There was absolutely nothing in the coffers when we assumed office but as determined as we are to the course and in fulfilling our pledge to members, who voted to entrust the leadership of the Association to us, we have started turning things around for the better. We know by the grace of God we will succeed and leave a legacy”.
He pledged on behalf of the other Executives to be guided by the new constitution to ensure that, AGMs are called and properly constituted.
“We are aware that no proper accounts have been kept over the years, but we are currently auditing our books with the assistance of the Auditor General. I want to reassure you that the Dwumfour administration will be transparent, accountable, and, most importantly, inclusive. So, have hope in us. We will officially outdoor the Article 30 and 40 Committee within the week and empower them to carry out their constitutional mandate effectively”.
He disclosed that, the current administration has decided to organise several training and capacity building programmes to empower Journalists and would need the support and contributions of the Retirees as resource persons.
“We will form committees as and when we require them and we will call on you to serve on those committees, already some retirees have worked for us on the awards review committee, some are now on the awards committee currently selecting the best journalists for our upcoming media awards, some retirees have also been part of our fact-finding visits and mediation efforts”.
Source: www.thenewindependentonline.com
