The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has successfully won the bid to host the 6th Continental Congress of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ). This decision was made during a two-day meeting of the FAJ Steering Committee held in Accra from September 17 to 18, 2026. The Congress will gather affiliated journalists' unions and associations from across Africa to determine FAJ's programme and priorities.
The FAJ Continental Congress serves as a platform for African journalists to address pressing issues affecting their profession. These challenges include attacks on media freedom, violations of journalists' labour rights, and increasing economic pressures on journalists and media organisations. In response to these issues, the Steering Committee emphasised the need for stronger collective action to defend journalists' rights and safeguard journalism across the continent.
The decision to host the Congress in Ghana follows a meeting between FAJ leaders and President John Dramani Mahama. During this meeting, they discussed media freedom, the safety of journalists, information integrity, and the role of independent and quality journalism in Africa's democratic and development agenda. Ghana was encouraged to play a leading role in continental efforts to strengthen media freedom and promote a safer environment for journalists.
FAJ President, Omar Faruk Osman, highlighted the growing attacks on journalists, restrictions on their freedoms, labour rights violations, and economic insecurity. He called for stronger professional journalism, wider media and information literacy, and sustained efforts to protect information integrity. Osman emphasised that African journalists would respond to these challenges through stronger organisation, mobilisation, and collective action.
GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, also addressed the welfare and working conditions of journalists. He called for practical measures to improve their safety and professional security, as well as closer cooperation among journalists and media organisations. The FAJ Steering Committee approved the Federation's financial and independent audit reports, admitted four new journalists' organisations to membership, and adopted a new communication strategy.
The FAJ Steering Committee's meeting in Accra was hosted by the GJA with support from KGL Group. During their stay, the Committee considered the bid submitted by the GJA and ultimately decided to host the 6th Continental Congress in Ghana. This successful bid marks a significant milestone for Ghana's growing role in continental efforts to promote media freedom and a safer environment for journalists.
The 6th FAJ Continental Congress is expected to bring together journalists' unions and associations from across Africa. The Congress will determine FAJ's programme and priorities, elect its leadership for the next mandate, and engage with solidarity organisations and cooperating partners. Preparations for the Congress are expected to form part of the Federation's work in the coming months.
Key points
- Ghana to host 6th Continental Congress of Federation of African Journalists
- Congress to address pressing issues affecting African journalists, including media freedom and labour rights
- Event expected to promote stronger organisation and collective action among African journalists
