PREMIUM TIMES’ journalists, others named finalists of African Investigative Journalism Awards

The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, recently emphasized the importance of viewing journalism as a calling rather than just a profession. He urged journalists to recognize the need for sacrifice, commitment and continuous professional development in their work. During the Ghana Media Soirée 2026, hosted by the Ghana National Gas Company Limited, Dwumfour highlighted the value of professional awards for journalists who go beyond routine reporting and contribute to national development.

He commended Ghana Gas for its investment in professional development, noting that capacity-building initiatives are crucial in the digital age. Dwumfour also identified a lack of specialization among journalists as a significant issue, warning that this could lead to contempt in court cases due to a lack of expertise in specific subjects.

He advocated for a "train-the-trainer" approach to ensure that journalists apply their newly acquired knowledge in their daily work and share it with colleagues. Dwumfour stressed that journalists must hold public institutions accountable, regardless of their support for professional development. He reaffirmed the GJA's commitment to supporting the continuous professional development of its members, announcing plans for exchange programmes, partnerships with energy institutions, and scholarships for journalists to specialize in energy reporting.