BY Issah Olegor
The Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) is at a defining moment in its history as members prepare to choose new leadership.
With current president Edwin Arthur stepping aside after his tenure, the contest for the top position has sparked keen interest within Ghana’s media fraternity.
Among the contenders, Awudu Mahama has quickly emerged as the front-runner, widely regarded as the right candidate to restore unity, credibility, and renewed dynamism to the Association.
The election is expected to be closely contested, with David Sitsope Tamakloe standing as Awudu Mahama’s main challenger. With Edwin Arthur bowing out, members will be deciding between the two new faces.
A Leadership Rooted in Integrity and Experience
Awudu Mahama, a veteran journalist with more than 25 years of professional practice, has pledged to lead PRINPAG with integrity, humility, unity, and transparency.
These, he insists, are not mere words but guiding principles for an association whose survival depends on trust and credibility.
Awudu Mahama’s agenda goes beyond rhetoric. He has consistently emphasized that the welfare of members will be his top priority, promising to push for policies that empower publishers and secure their place in the increasingly competitive and fast-changing media landscape.
A Career Defined by Resilience
Awudu Mahama’s journey in the media industry reflects resilience and adaptability.
He has worked with some of Ghana’s most prominent news platforms, including the Daily Guide Newspaper, The Daily Dispatch Newspaper, and ghelections.com, a platform set up by Citi FM during the 2016 general elections.
As a managing editor, he has also held key roles in several leading private newspapers, such as the late Baby Ansaba’s Punch Newspaper, The Publisher, and The Vanguard.
Today, he serves as CEO of Wanuala Ventures, publishers of The Custodian newspaper and the digital platform thecustodianghonline.com.
His professional record is matched by academic credentials, holding a Diploma in Journalism from Manifold Tutorial College, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Master of Arts in Migration Studies, both from the University of Ghana, Legon.
Consultative and Inclusive Candidacy
Unlike some leadership bids driven purely by personal ambition, Mahama’s candidacy is the outcome of broad consultations within the media industry.
His approach highlights his belief in inclusive leadership, where decisions are made collectively, and every member has a voice in shaping PRINPAG’s direction.
“PRINPAG is strongest when we act together,” he has stressed, underscoring his vision for an association that does not only represent publishers but also unites them under a common agenda of growth and recognition.
The Stakes for PRINPAG
The Association, formed to champion the interests of private newspapers and online publishers, has in recent years faced challenges ranging from dwindling advertising revenues to questions of credibility in an era of misinformation.
For many observers, the upcoming election is not just about choosing a leader but about charting a new path for PRINPAG’s relevance in Ghana’s media ecosystem.
Awudu Mahama’s vision is to reposition the Association as a stronger and more respected body, capable of advocating effectively for its members while adapting to the digital shifts transforming journalism.
