The Volta Region branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has made a significant leadership change, kicking out incumbents in the recent elections.
Four new executives were elected in a highly competitive race, resulting in surprising defeats for two incumbents.
Chairperson
Dr. Harrison Belley, a governance expert, lecturer, and journalist, was elected as the chairperson to lead the organisation for the next three years.
He won a narrow victory over incumbent Emmanuel Agbaxode, securing 27 votes to Mr. Agbaxode’s 24 in a tightly contested race.
Dr. Belley has promised to rejuvenate the association at the regional level and to implement phase two of the Volta Press Centre Project under the Press Centre Legacy.
His plans also include a housing initiative under the Inclusive Access agenda, financial empowerment programs, reintroducing the regional awards scheme to honour deserving journalists, capacity building, and streamlining administrative processes through a digital transformation.
Secretary
Lambert Kofi Atsivor who had no contest was officially declared by the Electoral Commission as the Regional Secretary-elect.
Vice Chairperson
Ivy Setordjie of Joy News won the position of Vice Chairperson for the Volta Region GJA, receiving 34 votes against Maclean Nordzi’s 17.
Madam Setordjie has pledged to leverage her over two decades of experience as a journalist to advance an agenda focused on women’s empowerment, enhancing gender representation, and strengthening leadership within the association.
Treasurer
Seasoned media practitioner King Freeman Xorlali Nutsukpui triumphed in the Treasurer election, earning 26 votes, while the incumbent, Mrs. Ewoenam Kpodo, who works with the Ghana News Agency, received 25 votes.
Mr. Nutsukpui, a familiar voice on Ghana Broadcasting Corporation’s Volta Star Radio, based his campaign on five pillars: establishing a digital payment system for membership, conducting regular audits for financial transparency, fundraising for the association, exploring investment opportunities, and providing financial literacy workshops and capacity building for journalists.
National Election Results at Volta Press Centre
In the national elections, incumbent President Albert Dwumfuor and his contender Charles Yao Mawusi each received 27 votes, resulting in a tie.
Zadok Kwame Gyesi garnered 37 endorsements for the Public Affairs position, while 15 votes were cast for Cesar Abagali.
Rebecca Ekpe received strong support, with 38 delegates endorsing her candidacy, compared to 15 votes for Mary Mensah.
In the race for General Secretary, Dominic Hlordzi received 39 votes against Akewsi Agyemang’s 14.
Former Eastern Regional Chairperson Maxwell Kudekor achieved a decisive victory with 41 votes. In the Organising Secretary election, Suleiman Mustapha received 9 votes, along with one rejected ballot.
Theodora Amedetor Yakunu won the Treasurer position with 31 votes, while her contender, Bertha Badu-Agyei, received 23 votes.
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