Journalist and long-serving media unionist Maxwell Kudekor has formally entered the race for the position of National Organising Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), pledging to bring “rich organisational experience and leadership” to the national secretariat.

Maxwell Kudekor, who also works with the Multimedia Group Ltd as the Eastern Regional Correspondent, with over a decade of union involvement, confirmed his candidacy in a message to colleagues and stakeholders in the media fraternity.

“Respectfully, I have submitted my nomination to contest the GJA National Organising Secretary position,” he announced in a statement released ahead of the official campaign period.

Mr Kudekor’s candidacy is backed by an extensive leadership record within the GJA, particularly in the Eastern Region.

He has served two terms as Regional Secretary and two terms as Regional Chairman, earning him a seat at the national table as a member of the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association.

Throughout his tenure, he is credited with playing a pivotal role in revitalising regional structures, deepening member mobilisation, and advocating for enhanced benefits for journalists at the grassroots.

“My priority is to promote membership benefits and advance the interests of our dear Association,” Kudekor stated, adding that his focus will include the welfare of journalists, broadcasters, and media workers across Ghana and in the diaspora.

The journalist and entrepreneur's message comes at a critical time when journalists in Ghana continue to face threats ranging from physical assaults to economic precarity and legal intimidation.

He underscored the importance of standing firm in defense of press freedom and journalist safety.

“Together, we can promote and protect total media freedom and the welfare of journalists, broadcasters, and media workers in Ghana and beyond,” Kudekor said, striking a tone of solidarity and collective responsibility.

While he has made his intentions public, Kudekor stressed that his campaign will adhere strictly to the GJA electoral calendar.

The Association is expected to officially announce the timeline for campaigning, vetting, and voting in the coming weeks as it prepares for national executive elections.

“As we await the commencement of the official campaign in line with the election calendar, I pray for your support in my quest to serve our Association in rectitude,” he noted.

Strategic Role of Organising Secretary

The position of National Organising Secretary is seen as a backbone role within the GJA’s executive structure, responsible for membership mobilisation, union strengthening, event coordination, and ensuring regional chapters remain active and connected to national policy directives.

With his long-standing history in regional mobilisation and national policy engagement, Kudekor is expected to be a formidable contender in the upcoming polls.

His entry into the race adds to what political watchers within the media fraternity anticipate will be a competitive and consequential election as journalists seek a revitalised and responsive leadership to confront the many challenges facing the profession.

Maxwell Kudekor holds a Master of Arts degree in Development Communication from the Ghana Institute of Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication studies from the same institution.

He also holds a Bachelor of Laws Degree (LLB) from the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration ( GIMPA).

He was the Interim Executive Committee Chairman for the GIMPA Law Students Association in 2023.

At GIMPA, he supervised the reorganisation of the Law Students Association, led the review of the Association’s constitution, conducted a peaceful election and restored the association back to its roots after a prolonged election dispute.