The much-anticipated national executive election of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) has been held, with the lead contender winning with a landslide.

David Tamakloe, publisher of The New Republic Newspaper, WhatsApp News, and others, polled 86 votes out of the 120 valid votes cast, promising to move the Association to a higher height.

His only contender, Awudu Mahama, got 34 votes.

In the other contests, the Public Affairs Officer, Emmanuel Opare Djan, who was alone in that YES or NO contest, garnered 109 for YES and 10 for NO.

Financial Secretary saw Naana Aklerh Kubi I emerge as the winner with 104 votes. Her two contenders, Kofi Ahovi and Adnan Adams, who opted out of the race, but at a very late moment secured 10 and 6 votes respectively.

In the Organizing Secretary contest, Prince Kaunda secured 57 votes while William Sarpong and Emmanuel Ajarfor Abugri garnered 32 and 31 votes, respectively.

The vice president position was contested by two candidates—the incumbent, Michael Antwi-Agyei, and Roger Agana. In the end, Antwi Agyei polled 88 while his only competitor Agana, secured 32 votes.

The election, supervised by the Electoral Commission (EC) at the office of PRINPAG, at Kokomlemle, in Accra, saw several journalists, especially from the print and online departments, thronging the venue to cast their votes for their preferred candidates.

Unlike other recent fraternal elections, the Tuesday, 19 August election, was held in a very peaceful environment with colleagues both young and old engaging in friendly chats and conversations while the process went on from 8 am to around 3 pm.

After being declared the winner of the contest by the EC’s Returning Officer, Tamakloe, in his brief victory speech expressed his profound appreciation to all contestants—both winners and losers.

He thanked them for their participation, making the election attractive and competitive.

Speaking on behalf of the newly elected executives, the President-elect promised to rejuvenate the Association and ensure its vibrancy in the media landscape.

He stressed that they will ensure that the confidence reposed in them to revive and make PRINPAG a force to reckon with is achieved.

“On behalf of my elected colleagues, I would like to thank all delegates, all members of PRINPAG, who spent their time during the election and particularly today, those who came here this morning to stay all through till the end of this election.

There is one thing that I realized, a demonstration that we are prepared to lead PRINPAG to the next level. We all realize that there is a lot to be done for the Association to move forward to get to its place in the media industry. I am assuring you on behalf of my colleagues that the responsibility you have put on us, we will not disappoint you.”

He assured they will discharge their mandate as expected of them, indicating that “We will discharge the duty dutifully, and may I also use the opportunity to thank the contestants, those who won and those who couldn’t make it, I think it was a great fight, great contest.

There was a lot of civility witnessed during the election. I overheard someone say this was not like the other election, and I think it was because all the contestants have put up good and civil work in their campaign.”

He equally thanked the EC, the Election Committee, and the outgoing executives led by Andrew Edwin Arthur for ensuring that the election was successful.

He also hinted to the public that they will come to them and explain the mission and vision of the Association, stressing, “you will see a new PRINPAG out there.”

Source: The New Republic