A scheduled meeting of the Northern Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) ended abruptly amid heated exchanges over accountability issues, leaving many members frustrated and concerned about the organization’s financial management.
The meeting, intended to discuss the association’s affairs since the current executives assumed office in 2022, was cut short after tensions flared over a report presented by Secretary Albert Futukpor.
Journalists in attendance criticised the report for being vague and lacking critical details, particularly regarding funds received from sponsors for the GJA Awards.
Among the major points of contention was a significant donation of GHS 11,000 meant for the purchase of laptops for award winners, which had instead been provided by the Speaker of Parliament.
This left lingering questions about the original funds and their utilization.
As several journalists, including Dr. Mahama Shaibu from the University for Development Studies and former GTV correspondent Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen, sought to address these issues, Mr. Futukpor’s defensive demeanor contributed to a hostile atmosphere.
A verbal confrontation ensued between Dr. Shaibu and Mr. Futukpor, further escalating tensions.
The situation worsened when Murtala Issah, Head of News at GBC Northern Regional Office, reminded Mr. Futukpor that all contributions should be made through the chair.
Mr. Futukpor dismissed this advice angrily, prompting a chaotic exchange that culminated in his shouting at Joy News correspondent Martina Bugri to “shut up.”
This final outburst led to members walking out of the meeting in protest.
The abrupt conclusion of the gathering has left many GJA members frustrated, with widespread concern over the executives’ attempts to deflect attention from critical questions regarding financial accountability.
“Journalists cannot demand accountability from others if their own leadership fails to account for tens of thousands of Ghana cedis donated by various organisations,” one attendee remarked.
In the wake of these unresolved issues, some journalists are calling on sponsors of GJA activities in the Northern Region to demand transparency and proper financial accountability from the regional executives.
