The Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) has announced a successful balloting by cleared candidates who are hopeful of leading the association at different levels across the country.

Thirteen (13) national and 49 regional candidates were officially announced by the association to have been cleared to contest for their respective positions after vetting by the elections committee for the June 30 elections.

In an official statement dated June 13, GJA revealed that “Twelve out of the 13 national candidates approved by the Committee picked either the first or second positions to contest the six categories composing the Association’s leadership: President, Vice President, General Secretary, Organising Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Affairs Officer.”

However, a contender for the position of treasurer, Rufai Zambaga Saminu, the statement said, officially withdrew from the contest ahead of the balloting.

Also, at the regional level, 17 of the 49 contenders picked forms to contest for the Ashanti, Volta, Central, Upper East, Upper West, and Eastern regions.

Thirty-one (31) of the candidates are running unopposed, granting them the positions automatically as stipulated by Article 48(d)(i) of the GJA Constitution, which states: “Where at the close of nomination, only one person stands nominated, that candidate shall be declared elected by the Elections Committee.”

Meanwhile, interested parties have until Monday, June 17, 5pm to submit nominations for “the vice chairperson position in the Volta Region.” The approved candidates, after vetting, will be included in the elections.

The approved candidates per the national list provided by the Elections Committee include Dwumfour Albert Kwabena and Mawusi Yao Charles, who are competing for the presidential position.

The vice president slot is being contested by Ekpe Rebecca and Mensah Mary Tawiah, while Hlordzi Dominic and Agyeman Akwasi are vying for the general secretary role.

Kudekor Maxwell and Mustapha Suleiman are standing for organizing secretary, with Badu-Agyei Bertha and Amedetor Theodora, competing for treasurer. Finally, the position of Public Affairs Officer is being contested by Ceasar Abagali and Zadok Kwame Gyesi.

The regional breakdown is as follows: Domfeh Kofi Adu and Ankomah Georgina Ama are contesting for Chairperson, Osei-Wusu Nicholas for Vice Chairperson, Spio-Garbrah Beatrice for Secretary, and Parsram Neta Kris Abiana for Treasurer in the Ashanti Region.

For the Bono Region, Benneh-Siaw Regina is vying for chairperson, Peprah Kwadwo Dennis for vice chairperson, Tebra Imoro Ayibani for secretary, and Dayee Yao Daniel for treasurer.

In Bono East, Antwi Frederick is standing for chairperson, Baffoe-Adjei Dominic for Vice Chairperson, Anas Sabit for secretary, and Asante Mavis for treasurer.

Buadu Kingsley Nana and Yarboi-Tetteh David are contesting the chairperson slot in the Central Region, with Marfo Adu Gyamfi running unopposed for vice chairperson.

In the Eastern Region, the chairperson position is being contested by Neequaye Yvonne, Kanarku Neil Nii Amartey, and Ampem Darko Koranteng Stephen. Agyeman Ama Takyiwaa Ampadu is contesting for vice chairperson, while Okunor Isaac Akwetey and Afful Gloria vie for secretary. In the North East Region, Fugu Mohammed is the sole candidate for chairperson.

Yakubu Abdul-Majeed is contesting for chairperson in the Northern Region, with Futukpor Albert for secretary and Kulamon Kantam Joyce for treasurer.

In the Oti Region, Ntow Kwabena is standing for chairperson. The Tema Region has Dewornu Michael contesting for chairperson, Kyei Patricia for secretary, and Attiaka Edith Elikplim for treasurer.

In the Upper East Region, Sore Albert and Quansah Ebo-Bruce are both contesting the chairperson position. Asaah Atinga Joshua is running for vice chairperson, Adongo Apubeo Anthony for secretary, and Wegwi Raymond for treasurer.

Bomanjo Seidu Ibrahim and Kuorsoh Prosper are vying for chairperson in the Upper West Region, with Naziru Alhassan and Awudu Ivan Domassa contesting for secretary and treasurer, respectively.

In the Volta Region, Agbaxode Emmanuel and Harrison Kofi Belley are battling for the chairperson. The vice chairperson slot is being contested by Setordjie Ivy and Wedanu Jerry Hanson. Atsivor Kofi Lambert is running for secretary, while Nutsukpoe King Freeman and Kpodo Ewoenam are vying for treasurer.

Finally, in the Western Region, Cudjoe Desmond is contesting for chairperson, Mensa Agbeli Kwame for vice chairperson, Smith Joana Shirley Ewurama for secretary, and Aziz Tunde Marie for treasurer.