The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association (PRINPAG) has sworn in its new executive council, with a renewed focus on professionalism, integrity, and member welfare. At the swearing-in ceremony, Deputy Minister for Government Communication, Honourable Shamima Muslim, challenged the new leadership to prioritize professionalism as a means of protecting Ghana’s democracy.

In her address, the Deputy Minister emphasized the media’s crucial role in safeguarding the nation’s freedom and upholding good governance. She called on the media to engage in “constructive criticism that pushes and advances our country’s development” instead of merely pointing out faults.

A New Era for PRINPAG

Mr. Jeorge Wilson Kingsley, the Executive Secretary of PRINPAG, welcomed attendees, stating that the leadership transition was not just a ritual but a testament to the association’s democratic spirit, unity, and resilience. He stressed that leadership cannot thrive in isolation and requires the active participation and support of members to succeed. “As an Association, we remain steadfast in our mission—to protect press freedom, uphold professionalism and critical standards, advance the welfare of our members, and serve the broader public interest,” he said.

Echoing this sentiment, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, urged the new PRINPAG leadership to champion the welfare of journalists and pledged the GJA’s full support.

President Tamakloe’s Bold Vision

The newly sworn-in PRINPAG President, Mr. David Sitsofe Tamakloe, pledged sweeping reforms to restore the visibility, credibility, and sustainability of Ghana’s private print and online media. He delivered a passionate inaugural address, declaring, “advertising is not charity; it is a value exchange.” He promised to position PRINPAG members as professional partners rather than beggars in the media business ecosystem.

Mr. Tamakloe also announced bold initiatives to combat the invisibility of many member newspapers by making strategic investments in digital tools and platforms. He rejected “degrading chicken change (Soli) handouts” and called on journalists to prioritize dignity and professionalism over sensationalism and popularity.

To improve member welfare, he announced the launch of the PRINPAG Foundation, a dedicated fund to support members and their families in times of need. He also unveiled his personal commitment to a “Path to Reading” initiative to revive a culture of reading.

These initiatives, he stated, will be anchored on four pillars: empowerment, advertising growth, visibility, and integrity.

The new PRINPAG executive council is led by Mr. David Setsofe Tamakloe as President. The other members are Michael Antwi (Vice President), Prince Kaunda (Organizing Secretary), Opare Djan (Public Relations and External Affairs Officer), and Naana Aklerh Kubi I (Financial Secretary and Treasurer).

Source::Isaac Nuamah Yeboah