The 2025 elections of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) took an unexpected twist on Friday, June 12, as the incumbent president, Albert Dwumfuor, was noticeably absent during the official balloting process held at the International Press Centre in Accra.
The balloting exercise, organized by the GJA Elections Committee, was intended to determine the placement of candidates on the ballot paper. While Mr. Charles Mawusi Yao, the leading challenger, was present and participated in the process—drawing Number 2—Mr. Dwumfuor did not appear.
No official reason was given for his absence. However, credible sources suggest that the incumbent may be unsettled by the groundswell of support being rallied around his opponent.
Insider reports further indicate widespread dissatisfaction among the current GJA executive body. Some executives have expressed concern over Mr. Dwumfuor’s failure to account for his three-year tenure, citing a lack of transparency and accountability as key issues.
After several hours of delay, a private individual volunteered to pick the ballot on behalf of Mr. Dwumfuor, who was subsequently assigned Number 1 on the ballot paper.
The GJA elections are scheduled for 30th June 2025, and the unfolding developments suggest a hotly contested race that could mark a turning point in the leadership of the Association.