For the first time, candidates contesting the presidential slot in the Ghana Journalists Association elections will take part in a debate.

The debate is part of a major public forum to be organised for all candidates contesting this year's election.

The forum is being organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in partnership with the Elections Committee of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

The debate or forum has been scheduled for Tuesday, March 28, 2017.

A statement issued by the MFWA said the presidential debate will offer candidates the opportunity to sell their vision to the electorate before elections.

The debate will be chaired by Nana Kwasi-Gyan Apenteng, Chairman of the National Media Commission, the statement said;

The following is the full details of the statement;

 

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in partnership with the Elections Committee of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 host candidates contesting the various positions in the Association at a public forum in Accra.

The forum will feature a debate among candidates contesting the presidential slot. Candidates contesting the other positions will also be presented an opportunity to speak to the electorate.

The presidential debate which will be chaired by Nana Kwasi-Gyan Apenteng, Chairman of the National Media Commission will offer a platform for the aspirants to share with the electorate their policies, plans and vision for promoting professional journalism and the welfare of media professionals in Ghana.

The event will also offer the opportunity to the electorate to quiz aspirants on their proposed plans for the Association and other pertinent issues confronting the media in Ghana.

The forum will bring together media experts/practitioners, the diplomatic community, academia and civil society organisations and will be held at the International Press Centre in Accra at 2.30 p.m. prompt.

The MFWA is supporting this event because it is important for the competing candidates to clearly articulate their visions and plans and be interrogated on them. ‘‘We see this presidential debate as a crucial moment where the electorate would have the opportunity to scrutinise the policies of all the contestants in order to make informed choices come the Election Day,’’ said Abigail Larbi, Programme Manager, MFWA.

Meanwhile, the GJA elections will be held on Friday, March 31, 2017 from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm at designated polling stations.