The newly elected Vice Chairperson of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) in the Volta Region, Madam Ivy Priscilla Setordjie, has pledged to make the welfare of retired journalists a top priority during her tenure.
She insists that no journalist who has served the region should be left to feel forgotten or regret their service to the profession.
Speaking recently in an interview, Madam Setordjie said, “Retired journalists must not lack or regret being journalists. They may have a family, but their second family is the media. We must ensure they feel valued, supported, and fulfilled even after active service.”
She explained that many veteran journalists are currently neglected and left without support simply because they are no longer in active duty. “Some are just at home, doing nothing. Some are ill, and we don’t even visit them. It’s like a trend where they are forgotten. That has to change,” she said.
Madam Setordjie revealed plans to bring these retired journalists together through sponsored retreats and dialogue sessions where they can share their experiences and mentor the younger generation. She said the goal is to tap into their expertise and allow them to contribute meaningfully to the future of journalism in the region.
Her welfare-focused agenda includes establishing a dedicated welfare scheme to support retired members, ensuring they receive care and recognition from the association.
With more than 20 years of experience in journalism, Madam Setordjie promised to lead with peace, professionalism, and purpose. Her campaign message, “Leadership with Experience, Heart, and Global Exposure,” reflects her commitment to service and inclusive leadership.
She made history by becoming the first female Vice Chair of the GJA in the Volta Region, after securing victory in a tightly contested race. Her leadership style, she said, will be neutral, unifying, and anchored in respect and teamwork.
Madam Setordjie outlined a three-point policy which includes supporting retired journalists, empowering women in journalism, and building professional capacity among young media practitioners.
As part of her women’s empowerment agenda, she plans to create platforms for female journalists, providing mentorship, leadership training, and increased visibility. She aims to improve the representation and participation of women in all areas of journalism, including sports reporting.
She also pledged to engage retired journalists to serve as mentors, organising intergenerational knowledge exchange programs that would benefit both senior and young journalists.
On professional development, she intends to expand training in investigative journalism, digital media, and ethics. She will also work to secure scholarships and grants to support journalists in upgrading their academic qualifications.
To ensure financial empowerment, Madam Setordjie said she would collaborate with institutions like the Bank of Ghana to offer financial literacy training and introduce alternative livelihood and vocational programs for interested members.
As part of her membership drive, she hopes to expand the association’s reach through aggressive registration and reactivation of inactive members, building a more active and united GJA in the region.
Every member, she stressed, will have equal access to programs and opportunities without favouritism. “This is a leadership that is inclusive and committed to the well-being of all,” she said.
Finally, Madam Setordjie expressed her readiness to work hand in hand with the newly elected GJA Chair and all members to promote peace, unity, and mutual respect within the association. She called for teamwork and solidarity to uplift the profession and ensure that every journalist—past and present—feels valued.
