GJA calls off AGM over lack of quorum

**GJA Cancels AGM Due to Lack of Quorum**

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) canceled its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday. This decision came after they could not raise a quorum to conduct business.

The meeting was originally set for Monday, March 31, 2025. It was postponed to Wednesday, April 2, due to Eid-ul-Fitr festivities. Unfortunately, the GJA had to call off the meeting for the second time in three years.

According to Article 34(d) of the GJA's Constitution, at least 10 percent of members must be present for a quorum. With 797 members in good standing, only about 30 qualified members attended almost an hour after the scheduled start time.

Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the GJA, expressed disappointment over this situation. He noted it was frustrating that they could not hold the meeting again under his administration.

He emphasized that the Executive was ready to account for their work and propose ideas for growth. “We have made ourselves available to engage our members,” he said.

Mr. Dwumfour acknowledged that member confidence is important but stressed that without a quorum, they cannot hold an AGM. He urged members to show more commitment and urgency regarding Association matters.

Mr. Kofi Yeboah, Secretary of the GJA, spoke with media after the cancellation. He warned that not holding the AGM would negatively impact key issues facing the Association.

These issues include journalist safety, member welfare, and upcoming national elections within the Association. Mr. Yeboah mentioned that while concerns could be addressed at an Emergency General Meeting (EGM), decisions may not be constitutional.

He highlighted a specific issue regarding newly created regions where some members do not meet eligibility requirements for regional executive positions. The AGM was meant to discuss waiving these requirements for certain members.

Without holding an EGM or AGM soon, those regions might lack qualified candidates for elections. Mr. Yeboah proposed amending the Constitution to establish a more achievable quorum in future meetings.

“It has always been difficult to get enough members for AGMs,” he said. He called on everyone to consider whether they want to amend the Constitution regarding quorum requirements moving forward.

“We need collective decisions on this matter,” he concluded.