Accra, Sept. 21, GNA - The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Monday paid tribute to Ghana's first President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah for the invaluable contributions he made to the development of the media in Africa in general and Ghana in particular. A statement by the GJA on the occasion of the centenary birthday of Dr. Nkrumah praised his recognition of the media as an important tool for people which was demonstrated right from the outset of his leadership in the Anti-Colonial struggle, African Liberation Movement and Pan-Africanism.

"Starting from his role in the United Gold Coast Convention through his founding of the Convention People's Party, he employed journalism effectively by practicing the profession alongside others like Ghana's Dr. J.B. Danquah and Namdi Azikiwe of Nigeria." It said when he came to power he firmly established the Ghana News Agency, the Guinea Press, now New Times Corporation, the School of Journalism, now Ghana Institute of Journalism and the Ghana Film Industry Corporation.

He also ensured that the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation was equipped to advance the cause of national development and African liberation and established the Ghana Television to further advance that cause.

The statement said many Africans who benefited from the training at the then School of Journalism and other institutions of higher learning in Ghana were now occupying important positions of trust and influence in their various countries and contributing to national development. It added that although not all of Dr. Nkrumah's media development strategies might be plausible under Ghana's current democratic dispensation and the prevailing global circumstances, "we are of the view that no one can deny him his rightful place in the history of media development in Africa and Ghana in particular".

"We believe his contribution to the development of the media was exemplary and urge all African leaders to take a cue from him," the statement said and commended the Government for recognizing the role played by Dr Nkrumah in Ghana's development process and in African emancipation by declaring September 21 as the Founder's Day. "We also wish to take this opportunity to wish all Muslims in Ghana a Happy Eid ul-Fitr". 21 Sept 09