…Journalists Question Governance and Stability
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has been thrown into a state of unease following the sudden dismissal of two of its longest-serving staff members, Fiifi Nettey and Dora Larbi, who have worked at the Ghana International Press Centre for 25 and 17 years respectively.
The decision—communicated in a letter signed by General Secretary Dominic Hlordzi—has stirred intense debate within the journalism community, with many questioning the timing, process, and broader implications for the Association’s governance.
According to internal sources familiar with the matter, the dismissals were unexpected, with the affected staff receiving letters notifying them that their employment had been terminated “with immediate effect” in line with provisions of the Labour Act, 2003 (Act 631). They were offered one month’s salary in lieu of notice, any outstanding arrears, and an additional month’s salary as part of their final entitlement.
However, the move has triggered widespread concern, with journalists and staff expressing anxiety about what they say is a growing atmosphere of internal instability within the Association.
Some members say the development raises fresh concerns about the leadership style of GJA President Albert Dwumfour and the General Secretary, particularly in an election year where calls for transparency and accountability continue to intensify.
Observers within the Association argue that the departure of such experienced staff signals a potential weakening of institutional memory at a time when the GJA needs the highest standards of administrative continuity. “These are people who have served the Association for decades,” one senior journalist noted. “It is unclear how the Press Centre will function smoothly without individuals who practically built the institution with their hands.”
Other journalists question whether the Association’s leadership adequately consulted internal structures or stakeholders before taking such a consequential step. “If the leadership is struggling to account for sponsorships from the recent GJA Awards, how does dismissing key staff strengthen administrative accountability?” one concerned member asked.
The silence of veteran journalists and past leaders of the GJA has also drawn attention, with some younger journalists expressing disappointment that senior figures have not publicly addressed the tensions brewing within the Association.
As reactions continue to pour in, many within the journalism fraternity believe the dismissals could deepen existing divisions and potentially shape the outcome of the next GJA elections. Some fear that the move may set off a chain of events that threatens the cohesion and stability of the respected Association.
For now, the Press Centre remains tense as stakeholders await clarity on the rationale behind the decision and its long-term implications for the GJA.
