PRINPAG elects new national executives after fiercely contested elections
Members of the Private Newspapers and Online Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) yesterday went to the polls to elect new national executives to steer the affairs of the media body for the next two years, following a highly competitive contest that produced intriguing outcomes.
The elections, which drew wide interest within the association, reflected a renewed push to strengthen the role of private newspapers and online media platforms in Ghana’s democratic and development process.
At the centre of the contest was the sole presidential slot, which was fiercely contested by the Editor of the New Republic Newspaper, Mr. David Tamekloe, and the Editor of The Custodian Newspaper, Mr. Awudu Mahama.
At the close of polls, Mr. Tamekloe secured a resounding victory with 86 votes, defeating his only challenger, Mr. Awudu Mahama, who garnered 34 votes.
Members of the association, in an interview after the elections, believe that the victory of Mr. Tamekloe, a former Vice-President of the Association, will inject fresh dynamism into the PRINPAG’s work.
In the race for Vice-President, Mr. Michael Agyei Antwi of The Banner Newspaper, who was the incumbent, won convincingly with 88 votes, defeating the Managing Editor of NewsGhana, Mr. Agana Roger, who polled 32 votes.
The Organising Secretary position was also tightly contested among three candidates. Mr. Prince Kawuunda of National Enquirer emerged victorious with 58 votes, beating Mr. William Sarpong of Environmental Guide Newspaper, who polled 32, and Mr. Emmanuel Ajafor of ModernGhana.com, who managed 31.
For the role of Financial Secretary, Naana Aklerh Kubi I swept to victory with 104 votes, leaving her challengers Adnan Adams and Kofi Ahorvi far behind with 6 and 10 votes respectively.
Although Mr. Ahorvi and Adnan withdrew from the race at the eleventh hour, their names appeared on the ballot papers because printing of ballots had already been.
The position of Public Affairs and External Relations Officer went to Emmanuel Opare Djan, who contested unopposed.
He received overwhelming endorsement from members with 109 “Yes” votes against just 10 “No” votes.
The latest election also adds a new chapter to PRINPAG’s leadership history.
The association, formed in 1991, had its first president, in the person of Mr. Kwame Obeng-Fosu, who handed over the baton to veteran journalist, Mr. Kwasi Pratt Jnr of the Insight Newspaper in 1993.
Pratt later passed the baton to Joojo Bruce Quansah, of Ghana Palaver Newspaper.
Following Quansah’s departure, both Pratt and Kweku Baako of New Crusading Guide turned again to Obeng-Fosu to provide interim leadership.
Mr. Obeng-Fosu later handed over to Kofi Coomson, of The Chronicle Newspaper, who in turn passed the mantle to Mrs. Gina Blay of Daily Guide Newspaper.
Mrs. Blay’s tenure ended with a handover to Edwin Arthur of the Independent Newspaper, who has now relinquished the position to the newly elected president, David Tamekloe.
With a new leadership in place, PRINPAG is expected to embark on a fresh agenda aimed at strengthening professional journalism standards, defending press freedom, and advancing the interests of private newspapers and online publishers in Ghana’s evolving media landscape.
The new leadership has the task of lifting the image of PRINPAG and making it a powerful organisation that the founders envisaged.
PRINPAG is dedicated to the best interests of democracy and press freedom in Ghana.
Founded in July 1991, PRINPAG, as a non-profit making body duly registered with the Registrar General’s Department, limited by guarantee, is organised and operated exclusively for the furtherance of a strong, independent media practice and the professional status of its members.
By: Franklin ASARE-DONKOH
