Interacting with journalists in Tema, he said: “The people in our newsrooms must own the GJA; there is a need to bridge the gap between the reporters and the national [leadership].”

He stated that if elected, he would encourage every newsroom with 10 or more members to set up chapters, elect executives, and run their affairs with support from the regional and national levels.

He added that with such arrangements, it would be easier for the GJA to mobilise effectively.

“If you want to organise an AGM, for instance, you liaise with the chapter, and with that, no one can say we did not form a quorum,” he said.

The GJA Organising Secretary hopeful further noted that with a good strategy, the association could mobilise its own funds and organise programmes independently.

He, therefore, called on journalists to vote for people with experience and strategy to lead the association, stressing that he possesses those qualities and is the best candidate for the Organising Secretary position.

Mr. Kudekor also revealed his vision to institute a legal regime where the GJA could collaborate with the Ghana Bar Association to assemble human rights lawyers on standby to provide legal support to members when needed.

He acknowledged the need for the GJA to consider welfare issues, noting that although the association initiated some welfare schemes, it lacks the financial capacity to pay monthly premiums. He emphasised the need to find a sustainable way to fund such initiatives.

“If we are paying dues on time—if we are paying GHS50—it should not be difficult to deduct GHS20 for insurance for journalists so that if tomorrow you go to an assignment and have an accident, the insurance company will take care of your needs,” he stated.

Mr. Kudekor is the current Eastern Regional Chairman of the GJA and works with The Multimedia Group Limited.

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In a formal message to colleagues and stakeholders, Kudekor confirmed submitting his nomination ahead of the GJA’s upcoming national elections.

“Respectfully, I have submitted my nomination to contest the GJA National Organising Secretary position,” he stated.

Kudekor’s campaign builds on his proven track record within the GJA, particularly in the Eastern Region, where he served two terms as Regional Secretary and two terms as Regional Chairman. His leadership earned him a seat on the National Executive Council (NEC), the GJA’s highest decision-making body.

During his tenure, he is credited with revitalizing regional structures, boosting member engagement, and championing the welfare of journalists at the grassroots level.

“My priority is to promote membership benefits and advance the interests of our Association,” Kudekor emphasized. “The welfare of journalists, broadcasters, and media workers across Ghana—and in the diaspora—remains central to my vision.”

His declaration comes amid growing challenges in Ghana’s media landscape, where journalists face threats such as physical attacks, economic insecurity, and legal intimidation.

Kudekor highlighted the urgent need for strong, proactive leadership that defends press freedom and protects journalists’ rights.

“Together, we can promote and protect total media freedom and the welfare of journalists, broadcasters, and media workers in Ghana and beyond,” he said.

He assured that his campaign would strictly follow the GJA’s electoral timetable, with the official schedule for campaigning, vetting, and voting to be announced soon.

“As we await the commencement of the official campaign in line with the election calendar, I pray for your support in my quest to serve our Association in rectitude,” he added.

The Role of the National Organising Secretary

The National Organising Secretary is key to the GJA, responsible for membership mobilization, regional coordination, event planning, and ensuring alignment between local chapters and national directives. Kudekor’s strong background in regional mobilization and union strengthening positions him as a formidable candidate in a highly competitive race.

Observers expect the election to be closely contested as journalists nationwide seek responsive leadership to tackle the profession’s evolving challenges.

About Maxwell Kudekor

Maxwell Kudekor holds a Master of Arts degree in Development Communication and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. He also earned a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). He currently works as the Eastern Regional Correspondent for Multimedia Group Ltd and is also a businessman.

At GIMPA, Kudekor served as Interim Chairman of the Law Students Association, where he led a reorganization, oversaw a constitutional review, and conducted peaceful elections, restoring stability to the student body.

About the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA)

Founded in 1949, the GJA is the umbrella organization representing journalists and media professionals in Ghana. The upcoming elections are viewed as a critical juncture, with calls for transformative leadership to address the changing dynamics of journalism in the country.

Source: Adomonline

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The 40-year-old pastor, John Jeremiah Addo, was charged with unlawful assembly and offensive conduct of which he pleaded guilty to the charge.

He was convicted of both charges, amounting to a fine of fifty penalty units (GH¢ 600) each, making it GH¢ 1, 200 in total.

In default, the accused is to serve 18 months in hard labour consecutively for both charges.

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Prosecutor, C/Inspr Emmanuel Ankrah, told the court that, police on Sunday were informed by a sub-chief of Nkawkaw Amanfrom, Nana Mireku Asumeng and one Kwaku Obeng, that the pastor was having a service with about 50 people contrary to the president’s directives.

He said the day patrol team proceeded to the said church at Amanfrom and found the pastor leading the service and was arrested and brought to the station for interrogation.

According to him, pastor Addo told the police he was performing the church service because he did not understand why authorities would prevent pastors from organising church activities and allow market women to sell at the market.