Gratitude

Outgoing General Secretary (right) presenting Handing-over Notes to Incoming General Secretary

(Photo Credit: Domiic Credit: David Andoh)

On Friday, July 11, 2025, I faced three counts of reality charges that sought to jail my prominence.

The first reality charge occurred early in the morning, in the General Secretary’s office at the Ghana International Press Centre (Press Centre), as we prepared for the swearing-in of the newly-elected National Executive members of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).

Dominic Hlordzi, then National Organising Secretary, who would take two oaths later in the morning to become the new General Secretary, received some phone calls ostensibly for interviews and enquiries on the programme.

I received none.

Then it dawned on me: my time is over!

Later in the day, that reality charge would be reinforced following the incidents in the Ablekuma North parliamentary election re-run during which some journalists were assaulted.

On such days, and even thereafter, I would be inundated with calls from media houses seeking interviews.

But I did not even receive a flash from anyone in that regard; in fact, I was not regarded.

The second charge of reality occurred late morning on the same day at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC), when I handed over the mantle of General Secretary to my successor, Dominic, who was the object of focus for the camera lenses, as the cameras flashed in his face already lighted with broad smile.

I walked away quietly.

Then came the third reality charge: it was my presentation of Handing-over Notes to Dominic, at which point I finally accepted that: “It is finished!”

I cherish the third reality charge dearly, though; it is one of the commitments I made when I took office – to leave ‘Handing-over Notes’.

Is that a big deal?

Yes, because it is the right thing to do, and righteousness cannot be trivialised.

And, yes, because that corporate fidelity did not exist (as far as I can remember), and infidelity cannot be countenanced.

For all other things, I submit myself to my lords (members of GJA) and posterity to judge.

The only plea I make in the face of judgment is that I could not do everything, but I did my best.

Orientation in Office

 My orientation before and upon assuming office was to render service.

Thus, although my office title was General Secretary (GS), the operational title I adopted was General SERVANT (GS), committed to doing a job for members whom I considered as my LORDS.

But if, perhaps, the humanity in me reared its ugly head somewhere and made me treat anyone with disdain, disrespect, or disaffection, I come to you with knees-on-ground to plead forgiveness.

Indeed, it had been an amazing journey, from winning election in 2017 with only one vote margin (for my first term) to retaining the seat with a comfortable win in 2022 (for my second term).

In that journey, there were trials and triumphs, but it is more instructive to note that there were also people who shared those experiences with me, including you, I believe.

I learnt many new things and many lessons; and I have become a better persons, all because you gave me such a beautiful opportunity to do something I so much desire – SERVE!

Surely, I shall write a book, God willing. In fact, I have started drafting it.

 Gratitude

 I thank everyone who pushed me to start and finish this journey, including the critics, detractors and persecutors.

I do not, or did not, harbour any resentment against the critics and detractors because I appreciate the counsel of William Gilmore Simms, thus: “The dread of criticism is the death of genius”.

I owe enormous gratitude to everyone but indulge me to pay glowing tribute to some people:

In no particular order, I thank Suleman Mustapha (now National Organising Secretary), Acting Editor of Graphic Business, who paid for my nomination fee in 2017 to enable me realise my dream of serving this noble media fraternity.

I also thank Emmanuel Adu-Gyamerah, Daily Graphic retiree based in Sunyani, who paid for my transportation from Sunyani to Kumasi, after an ‘I walk alone’ campaign visit in 2017, a gesture that allowed me t.o eat dinner upon arriving in Kumasi because I did not have money for that necessity.

Furthermore, I thank Benjamin Nii Martey Botchway (now with Ghana News Agency) who put his car, service and loyalty at my disposal, driving me to Tema, Ho and Koforidua to campaign at no cost to me.

These are ‘Three Wise Men’ who reinforced my conviction that politics and elections are much less about money a candidate may give you, but so much about the message a candidate may give to the electorate.

I also thank the other members of ‘The Quadrant’ (Lloyd Evans, Francis Kokutse and Vance Azu) campaign-managed by Boahene Asamoah whose community ahead of the 2017 elections taught me many valuable lessons in elections.

There are many names I cannot mention either for the sake of anonymity, or for the sake of brevity.

Above all, I thank all those who, without prompting, invested their precious time and other resources in me, whether at the polls or in my post, to support me come this far.

Thank you all.

And may the Good Lord richly bless you.

END

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Writer's Email: kofiyebo@yahoo.com