Let there be calm on the GJA front

The umbrella organisation of media practitioners, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), is in a kind of turmoil. The association fixed March 31 for the election of new executives to steer its affairs for the next three years but, somehow, the processes have hit a stone wall and the elections have been put on hold indefinitely.

This follows petitions filed by Mr Lloyd Evans, one of the aspirants who have been disqualified; Mr Johnny Ayitey, a contestant for the presidency, and two other journalists.

Journalists, by the unique role imposed on them by the Constitution, are required to hold all office holders to account to the people.

That is why journalists, in executing any tasks, must promote such an endeavour as flawlessly as possible.

In executing our watchdog role, we are expected to be very responsible in the exercise of our freedom to practise our profession.

We are happy that the GJA Election Committee has found it expedient to call off the elections for the GJA executives to put their house in order.

If this apparent confusion over the disqualification, membership, payment of dues and election date are allowed to fester, the association will be exposed to public ridicule.

The question some observers are asking is: if the Electoral Commission had faulted with the 2016 general election, what would have been journalists’ response?

Rightly or wrongly, we take on everybody in society, irrespective of one’s status, when we are convinced that one’s actions are likely to put society at risk.

Unfortunately, journalists are one group of professionals who do not take kindly to criticism.

The GJA can avoid public scrutiny only if, in the discharge of its functions, it performs to the satisfaction of majority of the people.

As a human institution, it is subject to all human failings and frailties, and that is why the GJA must always put mechanisms in place to self-regulate its activities, including the conduct of its elections.

We know that GJA elections are next to a general election, since members of the public take a keen interest in them because they are interested in who leads the most powerful professional body whose members shape mindsets.

That duty cannot be taken for granted.

Developments on the GJA front over the last two weeks or so have led to cracks within the rank and file of the association.

We ought to narrow the divisions that have been created as a result of the disagreements that have emerged.

Certainly, during elections factions develop within the body politic.

But for the peace and tranquillity of any organisation or community, steps are always taken to heal the wounds of division so that the organisation can remain at peace with itself, instead of being torn to pieces.

The Daily Graphic believes that the challenges that have bedevilled the GJA can be resolved if the parties involved in the dispute are willing to keep the association together.

But that does not mean that the issues must be swept under the carpet.

The Daily Graphic urges all members of the association to rise up to the challenge by using the opportunity created by the postponement of the elections to iron out the issues that threaten to put the GJA to sleep.

We have a crucial role to play in the governance process of the country because there cannot be a thriving and enduring democracy without a vibrant and free press.

We must kill the inertia that appears to be emerging on the GJA front, so that it can lead journalists to crusade for good governance in the country.