The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has made an exciting announcement regarding this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD 2024).
For the first time in recent memory, the GJA will be commemorating WPFD in Koforidua, the Eastern Regional capital, on May 3, 2024.
In a press release signed by the General Secretary, Kofi Yeboah, it was revealed that the decision to host the event in Koforidua is part of a strategic move to engage regional branches and promote a sense of inclusivity within the Association.
The global theme for WPFD 2024 is “Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis”, but the GJA has chosen the national theme: “Leveraging journalism for sustainable environment and future” to spearhead a media campaign for environmental protection in Ghana.
The event, to be held at the Abba Bentil Theatre of the Koforidua Technical University at 9:30am, will be chaired by Daasebre Kwaku Boateng III, the Omanhene of the New Juaben Traditional Area. Dignitaries expected to attend include the Eastern Regional Minister, Seth Kwame Acheampong, the Minister of Information-designate, Fatimatu Abubakar, and representatives from UNESCO and the US Embassy.
Key speakers at the event include Dr. John Kingsley Akrugu, Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency, and GJA Journalist of the Year 2022, Erastus Asare Donkor, who will share insights on environmental protection through journalism.
World Press Freedom Day was established on May 3, 1993, by the UN General Assembly to remind governments of their commitment to press freedom. It is a day for media professionals worldwide to reflect on issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
In addition to WPFD, the Africa Media Convention (AMC) will be held in Accra from May 15 – 17, 2024. The convention, hosted by the GJA, Ministry of Information, and UNESCO, will gather media actors, partners, and government officials to discuss pressing issues related to press freedom. It promises to be an engaging and insightful event for all those in attendance.
