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GJA NORTHERN REGION MEETING ENDS ABRUPTLY AMID TENSIONS OVER ACCOUNTABILITY

By Abdul Hayi Moomin

Published on 13th October 2024.

A scheduled meeting of the Northern Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) ended abruptly following heated exchanges over accountability issues. The meeting, held to discuss the affairs of the association since the current executives assumed office in 2022, was cut short after tempers flared, largely due to the conduct of the Secretary, Albert Futukpor.

Tensions began to rise after Mr. Futukpor presented a report on the region’s finances, which many members described as vague and lacking critical details, particularly regarding the funds received from sponsors for the GJA Awards. The report, which was expected to provide an account of how monies were spent since 2022, failed to clarify how certain funds, including a notable donation of GHC 11,000 meant for the purchase of laptops for award winners, were utilized. The laptops were eventually provided by the Speaker of Parliament, leaving questions over the original funds unaddressed.

Several journalists, including Dr. Mahama Shaibu, head of the Journalism Studies Department at the University for Development Studies, Mr. Abdul Hayi Moomen, formerly of GTV, and many others, sought to question the Secretary on these issues. However, Mr. Futukpor’s defensive and aggressive attitude from the outset of the meeting created a hostile atmosphere. When Dr. Shaibu attempted to raise concerns, a verbal confrontation ensued between the two.

Matters escalated further when Murtala Issah, the Head of News at the GBC Northern Regional Office, intervened, reminding the Secretary that the meeting had a chairman and that all contributions should be made through the chair. Mr. Futukpor, however, dismissed this advice and responded angrily, further exacerbating the already tense situation.

The meeting ultimately descended into chaos when Mr. Futukpor shouted at Joy News and Joy FM correspondent Martina Bugri, telling her to “shut up.” This final outburst prompted members to walk out of the meeting, leaving the gathering in disarray.

The abrupt end to the meeting has left members of the Northern Regional GJA deeply frustrated, with many believing that the executives were attempting to deflect attention from critical questions of accountability. Several journalists expressed concerns over the association’s financial management, particularly regarding the lack of receipts or detailed reports on expenditures for GJA events and awards ceremonies.

“Journalists cannot demand accountability from others if their own leadership fails to account for tens of thousands of Ghana cedis donated by various organizations,” one member remarked after the meeting.

In light of the unresolved issues, some journalists are calling on the organizations that sponsored GJA activities in the Northern Region to demand transparency and proper financial accountability from the regional executives. The fallout from the meeting has left many wondering whether the GJA’s leadership in the region can rebuild trust among its members moving forward.

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Tolon MP hands over Canoe Boat to the People of Zantani worth GHC80,000

Deputy Minority Chief Whip and MP for Tolon, Hon. Alhaj Habib Iddrisu has handed over a Canoe Boat to the people of Zantani, a riverine community, marking a significant step of enhancing transportation of the residents across the river.

The Canoe Boat which is 40-horsepower was commissioned for use by the MP worth 80,000 Ghana Cedis.

At a ceremony in Zantani, Hon. Habib Iddrisu handed over the Canoe and 50 live jackets to the Chief of the community, stating his commitment to addressing the basic essentials of the community members.

This follows several other interventions including connecting the community to national grid, provision of boreholes, women empowerment initiatives, donation of start-up tools to Master Craft Persons and Apprentices among others delivered to the people of Zantani tailored to reducing their plight and addressing their socio-economic needs.

Addressing the people, the MP asked them to take good care of the Canoe Boat, advising them to always fuel it with premix fuel for its safety and durability.

Story by: Inusah Dondaliya

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Ghanasco 65th Anniversary: Jira Buipewura Abdulai Jinapor donates a Bull to the school

The Paramount Chief of Buipe Traditional Area, Buipe Wura Abdulai Jinapor, has also contributed his widow’s might towards the 65th anniversary celebration of Ghana Senior High School, by donating a bull, a bag of maize, and undisclosed amount of cash to the management of the school.

Delegation led by elders of Buipe Wura Palace, presented the donations to the school on Thursday, 20th November, 2025 as part of activities marking the 65th anniversary celebration.

This follows a visit to the Jira Buipe Wura Abdulai Jinapor to inform him about the anniversary celebration months ago by a delegation led by the Head Master of Ghanasco, Douglas Haruna Yakubu. The Chief was also invited to attend the ceremony.

Presenting the items on behalf of the Gira Buipewura, Abdulai Jinapor, Ayawasu Gonja Chief in the Greater Accra Region, Garaba Lukman Issahaka Jaja expressed the commitment of the Chief to support the 65th anniversary celebration of Ghanasco, the reason, he made such donation to the school.

On behalf of the entire school, the head Master of Ghanasco, Douglas Haruna Yakubu expressed his profound gratitude to the Buipewura for the gesture done them, remarking that it will add value to the anniversary celebration which comes off today

Story by: Inusah Dondaliya

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N/R GJA Awards: Inusah Hamzah Lansah wins best Energy and Electricity Advocacy award

Sagani TV’s Community Watch Host, Inusah Hamzah Lansah, has been adjudged the Best advocate in energy and electricity against power theft known as illegal connection in the Northern Region.

At the 5th Northern Region Ghana Journalists Association Awards held on Saturday Night, 15th November 2025, in Tamale, Inusah Lansah was recognized for his consistent advocacy in sensitizing power consumers to honor their tariffs obligations against engaging in illegal connection accounting to revenue shorfalls by NEDCo and other partners in the energy value chain.

Also, on the awards night, Inusah Armeyaw Anas of Sagani Tv was also named the best reporter in Tourism and Culture.They were presented with citations and plaques by GJA in recognition of excellence in their journalistic work.

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As reward for his award, Inusah Hamzah Lansah was rewarded with 2,000 Ghana Cedis.

The Sagani TV’s anchor, Hamzah Lansah’s advocacy gained momentum, changing people’s attitude and mentality in the wake of NEDCo’s revenue mobilization drive of mass disconnection exercise in the Greater Tamale including meter monitoring exercise.

Having realized his contribution in the energy sector, Ghana Journalists Association, Northern Regional Chapter awarded Inusah Hamza Lansah for his outstanding role in influencing people to eschew power theft and resorting to appropriate means of honoring their tariffs obligations.

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Through the Sagani TV’s Community Watch, Inusah Hamza Lansah uses the platform to highlight the plight of communities in the social sector such as poor roads network, lack of potable Drinking water, sanitation challenges, Educational infrastructure deficit, drug abuse among the youth, among other issues for the attention of duty bearers for intervention.

Story by: Inusah Dondaliya

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