Accra, March 4, GNA - The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Thursday congratulated Mr John Akologo Tia on his appointment as the Minister of Information, saying it is "a credit to his long-term service to community development and loyalty to democracy". "We are delighted that one of our own - a journalist - and also a former member of the National Media Commission, has been appointed head o= f our sector Ministry and hope that he will bring his expertise to bear to enhance professionalism in the media industry," a statement signed by the=

GJA President, Mr Ransford Tetteh, said.

The statement said the GJA was looking forward to "collaboration and=

support" from Mr Tia to promote press freedom and high journalistic standards, "which we know him to stand for". "We hope he will undertake policies and programmes that inspire excellence," GJA said, and wished him God's guidance in his new position. Mr Tia worked with the Ghana News Agency as a journalist before goin= g into politics.