GJA adjourns AGM over lack of quorum

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has been adjourned to a later date due to the inability to form a quorum as required by its constitution.

The meeting, held at the Ghana International Press Centre in Accra last Tuesday failed to proceed after it emerged that less than 10 per cent of the association’s total membership — the minimum number stipulated by the constitution — was present.

The GJA President, Albert Dwumfour, said a similar situation occurred the previous year when the AGM could not proceed due to a lack of quorum, stressing the need for members to demonstrate greater commitment to the affairs of the association.

He assured members that a new date for the meeting would be communicated in due course.

Challenge

Mr Dwumfour further expressed concern over the low turnout, as it was a major challenge to efforts at ensuring accountability and transparency within the association.

He said that although members often demanded accountability from leadership, participation in such important constitutional gatherings remained low.

“What has been so challenging and frustrating is the fact that whenever, during election periods and campaigns, people talk about accountability ... but whenever we create the opportunity for such accountability and transparency, members do not show interest,” he said.

Mr Dwumfour explained that strenuous efforts had been made to mobilise members for the meeting, including direct engagements and the dissemination of information.

“I have engaged more than 100 people from yesterday to today.

Personally, I have shared the flyers… making every effort to get the numbers,” he said.

Commitment

Mr Dwumfour said the AGM was not only a constitutional obligation but also a platform to reflect on the association’s performance and reaffirm its commitment to the core values of journalism, including truth, accuracy, fairness and accountability.

He outlined some key initiatives undertaken by the association, including sustained monthly press briefings, capacity-building programmes and the introduction of the “Honours Night” to celebrate champions of press freedom.