Accra (Greater Accra), 15 Feb. '99 - The Ghana Journalists Association has warned impostors parading as journalists to desist from the practice since they would not be spared when caught. Mrs Gifty Affenyi-Dadzie, president of the GJA, said this at the swearing-in of new executives of the Greater Accra Regional Branch of the association in Accra last night.
She said while the practice is criminal such impostors normally harass organisers of functions for ''allowances'' for their services, pointing out however that the practice is gaining grounds with the collusion of some journalists. Mrs Affenyi-Dadzie called on members of the association to refrain from colluding with impostors to tarnish the image of journalists, stressing that "this is a noble profession that must be held in high esteem". The executive has Mr Ransford Tetteh as Chairman, Mr Gyamfi Boaten, deputy chairman, Mr Gayheart Edem Mensah, Secretary, Mr Gideon Sackitey, Assistant Secretary and Ms Patience Azaglo, Treasurer. The GJA president urged the new executive to do away with internal wrangling, have confidence in the national executive and to reactivate the regional branch.
Mr Ransford Tetteh, pledged that the executives will work conscientiously to push the association forward and called for support from the members. He stressed the need for co-operation with the various chapters to ensure the success of the regional branch. Mr Frank Agyekum, out-going Chairman, called on journalists to have the association at heart and asked the executives to work closely with the national executives. Mr Ben Eghan, Chief Director, Ministry of Communications, said the ministry sees the GJA as a partner in the shaping and development of the new communication atmosphere in the country and pledged his support for the success of the association's activities. Nii Adjei Boye Sekan, MP for Ledzokuku and Parliamentary Select Committee Chairman on Communication, called for improved working conditions for journalists.
