Under my leadership, GJA will launch GH¢25m Ghana Media Fund – Evans
The Immediate Past President of the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalists (IFEJ), Mr Lloyd Evans says the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will launch a GH¢25 million Ghana Media Fund (GMF),under his leadership..
Mr. Evans said this at a press briefing March 13, 2017, while presenting his vision to seek votes for the upcoming GJA elections.
He said after stabilizing the association, it will launch the fund by the first quarter of 2018.
The fund, he says will be used to increase quality, quantity and diversity of Investigative Journalism and public Interest Journalism in the country.
He however, noted that the GJA could generate close to GH¢1 million if managed appropriately which will go a long way to help finance the activities of the Association without externally seeking for funds.
“Over the past ten years GJA has lost its relevance, credibility and importance within the country’s socio-economic and political arena.The respect and authority we command as professionals is no longer easily discernible,” he lamented.
Outlining his vision for the association, Mr Evans said his leadership will be developed under four main thematic areas: Re-branding, professionalism, sound financial footing, accountable and transparent administration.
“Training and re-training of members will be paramount. Journalists will receive in-house and on-going professional training in partnership with relevant media training institutions of repute,” he said.
“We shall developed various specialised courses in journalism for members and in near term, these courses will be located in an accredited university in the country to be run on behalf of the association,” he added.
Additionally, the Ghana International Press Center (GIPC), will be modernized to meet international standards and a news room with Internet facility will be established for the convenience and use by reporters after covering events without having to rush to their newsrooms before writing their reports.
Also, an updated and content-rich GJA website shall be maintained to carry stories, articles and paid adverts for extra revenue.
He said The GJA, under his leadership will see to the improvement of facilities on the compound to make the centre attractive for individuals and corporate institutions to hold programmes and functions at a fee.
He appealed to all members to support him to become the GJA President and also thanked all who have supported him throughout the race.
The GJA election will be held on March 31, 2017
By Pamela Ofori-Boateng