Amend GJA constitution on President's tenure of office - Member

Accra, Aug 13, GNA - Mr. Matthew Mac-Kwame, an Executive Member of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has advocated an amendment of the Association's constitution to limit the number of times one could stand as President.

"The constitution as it is now is silent on how many times one could stand for the Presidency, but being the topmost position and one who bears the Association's vision, it would be fair that after a certain time one goes away for a new face with new vision to come to the scene," he said.

"If the two years' term is not enough, three years for two consecutive terms would be an ideal period for which people should be allowed to be in office."

Mr. Mac-Kwame, who is seeking re-election as an executive member of the GJA was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency on Wednesday advocated a review of the entire constitution when the new executive come into office.

"Journalism is dynamic and those who belong to the profession should have a document guiding its principles to be re-looked at from time to time to catch up with time."

He said the position, which had been with the Association since its inception has become a great concern for many in the profession in recent times adding, "about 10 years ago at a congress in Koforidua a consensus was arrived at for its amendment but it was ignored."

On his campaign for re-election as an executive member of the Association, Mr. Mac-Kwame said there was the need for the association members to look out for those who have the experience and would be dedicated to work at all times.

He said the Association has reached a stage where people who must be elected to run affairs should know the nuances of the work and be willing and able to continue what have been achieved so far. Mr. Mac-Kawme said there was the need to build capacity that would deepen consultation for the advancement of the height that the media had reach in efforts at strengthening the country's democracy.