The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has announced its decision to honour individuals who have contributed to the growth of the media industry.

Speaking at a press briefing, in Accra on Thursday, the GJA President, Albert Dwumfour, stated that this year's World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) would be used to honour individuals and institutions for their support over the years.

"We have decided to use the occasion to honour distinguished individuals and institutions that have championed and supported the cause of the GJA in particular and the media industry in general.  

"So instead of the usual daytime activities to mark the occasion, this time round, it will be an evening event with the highlight being the honourary awards to deserving individuals and institutions,"

WPFD, marked annually on May 3, acts as a reminder to governments of the need to respect their commitment to press freedom.  

It is also a day of reflection among media professionals about issues of press freedom and professional ethics.  

The GJA commemoration is scheduled for May 2, 2025. Last year the event was held in Koforidua, in the Eastern Regional capital, for the first time. 

Mr. Dwumfour also announced the Fourth Africa Media Convention (AMC) scheduled for May 29 to 31, 2025, in Marrakesh, Morocco. 

AMC, an annual gathering of media practitioners, policy makers, academics and stakeholders, provides a platform to discuss and shape the future of the media in Africa. 

Ghana hosted the third edition of the conference in Accra last year. 

"The Accra convention has been touted as the best since the inception of the AMC...We hope Marrakesh will build on the huge success chalked up in Accra.  

"We encourage media institutions to endeavour to participate in such international activities," the GJA President added. 

Touching on other issues, the Association called on the Department of Urban Roads, Ghana Highway Authority, and other stakeholders to fix streetlights in Accra and beyond to "save lives." 

"...Movement on our roads at night has become a threat to life...Apart from leading to accidents on our roads, including knockdown of pedestrians, the absence of streetlights also fuels criminal activities, especially in quiet areas," Mr. Dwumfour said. 

The appeal followed agitation by some residents in Accra and other cities over pedestrian knock down and road crashes, caused by malfunctioning or absence of streetlights in some localities. 

Madam Linda Ocloo, Greater Accra Regional Minister, had indicated that efforts were being made to resolve the issue.