President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour has reiterated that professionalism is the key to the practice of journalism.

According to him, students undergoing training to become media practitioners must embrace good ethical standards.

He made this comment at a seminar at the University of Education, Winneba on Friday, August 11, 2023.

Speaking on the theme ‘Professionalism in Journalism: the Role of GJA in Winneba,' Mr Dwumfour urged practitioners to understand the integrity and ethics of journalism to ensure objectivity and promote the development and upgrade of their capacities.

"I found the theme very appropriate because it reflects the core mandate of the GJA which is to promote high professional standards. Professionalism is the salt of Journalism. As the scripture says in Mathew 5:13. But if salt has lost its taste how shall its saltiness be restored," he said.

The seminar, held by the university’s Department of Journalism and Media formed part of activities geared towards the launch of the Student Journalists Association-University of Education, Winneba chapter.

Mr Dumfour said without professionalism the job of journalists is worthless and will not be of any use to society.

He also encouraged young journalists to read wide and to do more research to enrich their stories, features, and documentaries.

"In addressing the role GJA in promoting professionalism in journalism, I will proceed in three ways. First the constitutional and legislative imperatives, secondly, the provisions in the GJA constitution 2004 and third, the demands in the GJA code of ethics 2017", he stated.

The GJA President further argued that his outfit is exploring more opportunities both local and international for the professional training of members.