The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has charged journalists to see journalism as a calling that demands sacrifice, commitment and continuous learning, rather than just a means of livelihood.

He said journalists must go beyond routine reporting and acquire specialized knowledge to make meaningful impact on society.

Mr. Dwumfour said this at the Ghana Media Soirée 2026 hosted by the Ghana National Gas Company Limited (Ghana Gas) at Alisa Hotel in Accra, aimed at deepening journalists’ understanding of the company’s operations in gas, energy, health, safety and environmental sustainability.

The GJA President, though indisposed, said he deemed it important to attend because of his longstanding relationship with Ghana Gas, stressing that journalism comes with sacrifices.

“This is why journalism is a calling, not merely a profession. It comes with sacrifices,” he noted, adding that awards are meant to celebrate practitioners who go beyond routine work to produce exceptional and impactful stories.

He commended Ghana Gas for investing in capacity building for journalists, saying continuous professional development is critical in an increasingly digital and information-driven world.

According to him, journalists must constantly update their skills to keep pace with emerging trends and to counter misinformation and disinformation. Mr. Dwumfour identified lack of specialization as a major gap in Ghana’s journalism practice, noting that many journalists cover diverse beats without the required depth.

“Sometimes you find journalists in court, and you can tell this person lacks the ethics and doesn’t even understand the court because he got the reporting wrong. If you don’t take care, you may even end up with contempt,” he cautioned.

He therefore lauded Ghana Gas for equipping journalists with specialized knowledge in gas and energy reporting, which he said requires accurate understanding of technical, environmental, health and safety issues. He challenged beneficiaries of the training to apply the knowledge in their work and share it with colleagues through a train-the-trainer approach.

“Let the training we’ve had be seen in our work. Let it show in our reportage. Let it show in the discharge of our duty in serving the good people of this country,” he urged.

He reminded journalists that their relationship with corporate institutions must not compromise their independence, and that they have a duty to hold public institutions accountable, including those that support their professional development.

Mr. Dwumfour reaffirmed GJA’s commitment to continuous professional development, disclosing plans for exchange programmes and scholarships with energy institutions for journalists interested in energy reporting, as well as scholarship opportunities with universities including the University of Wisconsin for undergraduate and master’s degrees.

Report by Bernard K Dadzie Greater Accra Region