Ghana prepares to host 3rd Africa Media Convention

Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, GJA President

Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has declared Ghana’s preparedness to host the esteemed 3rd Africa Media Convention (AMC) in Accra from May 15 to 17, 2024.

The event, which aims to unite Africa’s media elite, seeks to promote a positive narrative of Africa globally while addressing the crucial issue of combating misinformation on social media platforms, especially concerning threats to democracy.

During a press briefing in Accra, the GJA President emphasised Ghana’s readiness to host the Convention, citing the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s rapidly growing conference destinations.

He highlighted the origins of Ghana’s bid to host the AMC, tracing it back to the Second Africa Media Convention held in Lusaka, Zambia in May 2023.

Notably, the 3rd AMC coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Ghana Journalists Association, adding significant historical value to the event for media practitioners.

Mr. Dwumfour underscored the Convention’s mission to safeguard media freedoms and journalists’ safety on the continent, emphasising its importance in light of past editions held in Arusha, Tanzania, and hosted by the Southern Africa Editors’ Forum.

Preparations

Regarding preparations, Mr. Dwumfour disclosed substantial progress had been made, including securing logistics and garnering registrations from over 500 media experts, scholars, journalists, unions, and editors across Africa.

He indicated that marketing campaigns and publicity materials were also in their final stages of review, set to be disseminated soon to relevant stakeholders.

He expressed gratitude for the Government of Ghana’s commitment to ensuring a successful event. Registrations have exceeded targets, with 600 foreign participants and 400 local participants already signed up, indicating high expectations for the AMC.

For her part, Mrs. Fatimatu Abubakar, Minister-designate of Information and Co-Chair of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the AMC, commended the GJA and LOC for securing the bid to host the Convention, stressing the significance of this achievement for Ghana’s media landscape.