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The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has affirmed Ghana’s preparedness to host the 3rd Africa Media Convention (AMC) in Accra from the 15th to the 17th of May, 2024.
The Convention which brings together Africa’s media elite aims to explore ways to promote a positive African narrative globally, attracting increased positive attention to Africa.
Also, the convention will address the pressing issue of combating misinformation on social media platforms across the continent, particularly in the context of threats to democracy.
He made this known during a press briefing in Accra on Tuesday, noting, that the hosting of the 3rd AMC in Ghana is a testament to Ghana’s record as one of Africa’s fast-growing conference destinations.
He stated, “The genesis of Ghana hosting the AMC all began in Lusaka, Zambia. It is essential to mention that the successful bid of the GJA to host the next Convention was announced during the Second Africa Media Convention which was held in Lusaka, Zambia from 11 to 13 May 2023 of which a 4-member delegation from the GJA attended. They included my good self as leader of the delegation, Rebecca Ekpe, Abdul Suala, and Ewura Ama Smith.”
Mr Dwumfour further noted that the 3rd AMC coincides with the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Ghana Journalists Association, and therefore, it holds great significance as well as historical value to all media practitioners.
“The Convention, which is an initiative of the African Editors’ Forum (TAEF) is designed to safeguard the hard-won media freedoms and safety of journalists on the continent. The maiden edition of the Convention was held in Arusha, Tanzania, in 2022. The second edition of the Convention was hosted by the Southern Africa Editors’ Forum (SAEF),” he added.
The President of GJA further disclosed substantial progress and preparations for the upcoming convention.
He stated, “First, I wish to state that we have secured all logistics and contract logistics support including assets, personnel, and resources required to effectively host the convention. I wish to also state that so far, over 500 media experts, scholars, journalists, journalists’ unions and associations, as well as editors from the public and private sectors across the continent have registered to take part in the three-day convention.
“In terms of marketing and publicity, we have put together marketing campaigns and publicity materials which are in their final review stages, which we will soon be sharing with the media and relevant stakeholders for onward distribution and circulation.”
He indicated AMC to be the continent’s largest gathering of media stakeholders and policymakers, adding, “We at the GJA and LOC are confident in our ability to host this convention.”
“In reiterating our preparedness to host the third edition of the African Media Convention, permit me to state that we have received the commitment and full assurance of the Government of Ghana in ensuring a successful host of this event,” he said.
Mr Dwumfour noted that the AMC participants’ registration had already exceeded the target.
“We’ve hit the 600 targets for Foreign Participants and 400 local participants. This is an indication of high expectations. You can trust the LOC to do a great job,” he stated.
The Minister-designate for Information and Co-Chair of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the AMC, Mrs Fatimatu Abubakar commended GJA and LOC for successfully winning the bid to host the 3rd AMC in Ghana.
Patience Anaadem, ISD
