The Private Newspaper and Online Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has officially sworn in its newly elected national executive council, marking the beginning of what leaders and stakeholders describe as a new era of resilience, professionalism, and reform for Ghana’s private media sector.
The ceremony, held on Thursday, brought together government officials, industry leaders, traditional leaders and journalists to reaffirm the media’s indispensable role in nurturing democracy.
Delivering a message on behalf of the Minister for Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim underscored the importance of safeguarding press freedom.
She acknowledged the existential challenges facing the media, particularly the print industry in an era of rapid technological change.
While technology has disrupted traditional business models, she noted, it also presents opportunities for renewal and growth.
Quoting a keynote speaker who lamented that fewer than 10% of society consistently engages with serious journalism, she urged the media to reassert its relevance.
“The government remains committed to ensuring press freedom and supporting a free, independent media as a cornerstone of transparency, accountability, and good governance,” she assured.
In her own remarks, Ms. Muslim challenged the new PRINPAG leadership to raise the bar on professionalism. She called for “constructive criticism that advances national development” rather than commentary focused solely on fault-finding.
Leadership and Solidarity
PRINPAG Executive Secretary, Mr. Jeorge Wilson Kingsley, described the swearing-in as more than a ceremonial transition, but a testament to the association’s unity and democratic spirit.
“Leadership cannot thrive in isolation. It requires the active participation of all members to succeed,” he said, reiterating PRINPAG’s mission to protect press freedom, enhance professional standards, and safeguard member welfare.
Echoing this, Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) President, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, pledged his outfit’s full support to PRINPAG while urging the new leadership to prioritize the welfare of journalists.
President Tamakloe’s Vision
Newly sworn-in PRINPAG President, Mr. David Sitsofe Tamakloe, used his inaugural address to outline an ambitious agenda to restore visibility, credibility, and sustainability to Ghana’s private press.
“Advertising is not charity; it is a value exchange,” he declared, stressing that PRINPAG members must be positioned as professional partners within the business ecosystem, not as dependents.
Mr. Tamakloe announced several key initiatives, including:
• PRINPAG Foundation – a welfare fund to support members and their families during times of need.
• Path to Reading – a personal project to revive Ghana’s culture of reading.
• Digital Transformation Drive – investments in digital tools to boost the visibility of member newspapers.
• Rejection of Soli Handouts – a call for journalists to uphold dignity and integrity over sensationalism or token payments.
He anchored his vision on four pillars:
empowerment, advertising growth, visibility, and integrity.
The new executive council comprises:
• President: David Sitsofe Tamakloe
• Vice President: Michael Antwi
• Organizing Secretary: Prince Kaunda
• Public Relations & External Affairs Officer: Opare Djan
• Financial Secretary/Treasurer: Naana Aklerh Kubi I
As the curtain fell on the ceremony, a sense of renewed energy and resolve resonated.
With its fresh leadership, PRINPAG has promised not only to defend press freedom but also to chart a sustainable path that empowers its members and strengthens Ghana’s democratic space.
