GJA Upper East Chairman Raises Alarm Over Funding, Safety Challenges Facing Journalists

By – Sadat Dabo 

The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Sore, has raised concerns over inadequate resources, poor road networks, insecurity and threats to journalists working in the region

Speaking on RIPPLES on GBC URA Radio 89.7MHz in Bolgatanga, Mr. Sore said the financial difficulties confronting media houses in the Upper East Region remain one of the biggest obstacles to effective journalism

He explained that many locally owned media houses have to depend on their own marketing efforts to raise funds to pay workers, settle utility bills and keep their operations running, despite operating in a region with a relatively small market

According to him, media outlets that are branches of organisations headquartered in Accra also face challenges because resources are often concentrated at the headquarters before reaching regional offices

“Resources generally for media houses and media people are a big challenge in the region,” he said

Mr. Sore also highlighted transportation and security concerns, particularly for journalists who have to travel to remote communities to cover stories

He noted that many journalists rely on motorcycles because they lack access to reliable vehicles, exposing them to risks associated with poor roads, bad weather and difficult terrain

He further disclosed that conflicts in parts of the region make journalism even more challenging, as journalists can sometimes be viewed with suspicion by opposing groups regardless of their efforts to remain neutral

According to him, threats against journalists have also become a source of concern

Mr. Sore revealed that earlier this year, his photograph was displayed and he was threatened, an experience he said could discourage journalists from covering sensitive stories

“You want to work, but you need to stay alive for your family first before you can do the work,” he said

Poor roads, floods threaten field reporting

Mr. Sore said the situation becomes worse during periods of heavy rainfall and flooding, when some communities become difficult or dangerous to access

He recounted an experience while conducting investigations into the Pwalugu Multi-Purpose Dam, describing the journey as particularly risky because of the terrain and the remoteness of some of the communities he visited

He said he had to rely on a person he had never previously met to navigate bush roads on a motorcycle, adding that very few people knew his exact location at the time

Mr. Sore said journalists must therefore undertake extensive preparation before travelling to difficult locations, including conducting background checks, consulting people familiar with the area and, where possible, securing stronger vehicles and accommodation closer to their destinations

GJA to expand membership and training

Regional Chairman said his executive has set several objectives to be achieved before the end of their first term in 2028

He said the association intends to increase membership by creating opportunities for qualified journalists and media practitioners who are not yet members to join the GJA

He also expressed the ambition to make the Upper East Regional branch one of the most visible and vibrant branches of the association

Mr. Sore said the regional branch has increased its visibility through its activities and social media presence and intends to sustain the momentum

Training, he added, remains another major priority

He said the current executive has facilitated opportunities for journalists and media practitioners to participate in seminars, workshops and other professional development programmes both within and outside the region

Who qualifies to join the GJA

Mr. Sore explained that practicing media professionals who received formal journalism or communications training can apply for membership after meeting the required period of professional practice

He said those who did not receive formal journalism training can also qualify, provided they have accumulated sufficient professional experience

Applicants are required to submit documents supporting their educational and professional claims, while regional and national structures conduct the necessary verification before membership is approved

GJA Upper East Awards set for October 2

Mr. Sore also disclosed details of the upcoming 5th Upper East Regional GJA Awards, which he said will seek to maintain the standard established by last year’s ceremony

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place at Lapam Zorko Hotel on Friday, October 2, 2026

He said activities will begin at 5:00 p.m. with a cocktail and photography session, followed by the main awards programme at 7:00 p.m

Mr. Sore expressed confidence that the event would provide another platform to recognise journalists who continue to work under difficult conditions to give voice to communities and individuals whose concerns might otherwise go unheard

He said the awards are particularly important because, despite the numerous challenges confronting journalists in the region, some practitioners continue to undertake difficult and risky assignments in the public interest

Source – gbcuraonline.com