The Private Newspapers and Online Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has elected a fresh crop of national executives to steer the affairs of the media body, 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.
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.
David Tamekloe emerges as President
At the centre of the contest was the hotly contested presidential slot, where David Tamekloe, Editor of the New Republic Newspaper, secured a resounding victory with 86 votes.
He defeated his closest challenger, Awudu Mahama, Editor of The Custodian Newspaper, who garnered 34 votes.
The victory of Tamekloe, a former Vice-President of the Association, is expected to inject fresh dynamism into the PRINPAG’s work.
New leadership team
In the race for Vice-President, Michael Agyei Antwi of The Banner Newspaper won convincingly with 88 votes, defeating Agana Roger of NewsGhana, who polled 32.
The Organising Secretary position was tightly contested among three candidates.
Prince Kawuunda of National Enquirer emerged victorious with 58 votes, beating William Sarpong, who polled 32 and 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.
Ahorvi and Adnan withdrew from the elections at a time when the ballot papers had already been printed and therefore remained on the ballot.
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.
A tradition of leadership transitions
The latest election also adds a new chapter to PRINPAG’s leadership history.
Formed in 1991, the association’s first president, Kwame Obeng-Fosu, handed over to veteran journalist 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.
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.
Looking Ahead
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.
It is organised and operated exclusively for the furtherance of a strong, independent media practice and the professional status of its members.
Founded in July 1991, PRINPAG is a non-profit making body duly registered with the Registrar General’s Department, limited by guarantee.
