By Nformi Ngi Jones Tamfu
In a landmark push to refine the quality of reporting and reinforce the social cohesion of the nation, the Cameroon English Language Newspaper Publishers Association (CENPA) recently concluded a high-level, three-day capacity-building workshop in Ebolowa the South Regional capital from April 9 to April 11, 2026. It ended with the General Assembly of CENPA, where members renewed their confidence on Cameroon’s Premier in the Print Media, Kristian Ngah Christian, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian Post by re-electing him to head the Association for another four years.
Under the theme, “Consolidating National Unity: The Role of the Media,” the seminar gathered a powerful assembly of Publishers, Editors-in-chief, Senior journalists, local government officials and high-ranking administrative officials. The initiative marks a strategic effort to pivot the English language press toward responsible journalism amidst Cameroon’s complex socio-political landscape.
Opening the sessions, Kristian Ngah Christian, President of CENPA and Publisher of The Guardian Post, underscored the critical timing of the gathering. He challenged publishers to enhance their coverage of delicate national issues, particularly as the country navigates the “Anglophone crisis” a period he noted has been marred by divisive rhetoric, especially on social media.
“Our fundamental objectives center on fostering responsible journalism, promoting peace, and contributing to national development,” Ngah stated.
With municipal and legislative elections at the corner, the CENPA President urged the press to act as a “force for stability,” praising the resilience of Anglophone journalists who have maintained professionalism despite heightened tensions.
Workshop receives strong nod of approval from government
Beko’o B’evina Margarite, the South Regional Delegate for Communication, lauded CENPA’s consistent partnership with the Ministry of Communication.
“CENPA is committed to mitigating hate speech and fostering unity,” the Delegate remarked. She emphasized that the media must distinguish between constructive dialogue and harmful rhetoric that fuels conflict. A key takeaway from her address was the necessity for “contextual reporting” urging journalists to reflect the unique Cameroonian reality rather than merely copying and pasting Western media models.
Newly elected 14-man National Bureau of CENPA
Declining sales, distribution
Beyond ethics, the workshop addressed the existential threat facing the print media: declining sales and distribution.
In a rare moment of industry transparency, Ngah Cristian shared his own sales tactics and experiences to help fellow publishers survive the shrinking market. The presence of a representative from the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) sparked a formal appeal for the creation of a national newspaper distribution company. Such a body, participants argued, would ensure financial stability and ensure that news reaches every corner of the republic.
The workshop concluded with participants expressing a renewed sense of mission. Delegates and local leaders alike agreed that while press freedom is a non-negotiable pillar of democracy, it must be exercised with a “strong sense of national responsibility.”
Publishers Renew Trust on Ngah Christian
Kristian Ngah Christian: CENPA President/ Publisher of The Guardian Post Newspaper
Day two of the Workshop witnessed the Publishers renewing their confidence to the Premier of the print media in Cameroon, Ngah Christian, by reelecting him as their president for another four-year mandate. The overwhelming voting of Ngah Christians members say he his leadership role has helped make CENPA more visible than any other journalism association, and ensured that the English language press continues to survive even during difficult moments. His reelection in a list system was unchallenged. This was after the English language Newspaper Publishers had revised their constitution to match present day circumstances.
Ngah Christian’s list ushered in some new faces while some former executive members changed portfolio.
The April 10 election saw Wasso Nobert (The Sun Newspaper) replacing Larry Essong as vice president, while Dr Olive Ejang (The Ultimate) takes over the strategic role of Secretary General, replacing Tarhyang Tabe, marking a significant shift in the association’s administrative core.
Other members of the newly constituted executive include; Gerald Ndikum (The Horizon) as second vice president, Teneng Lucas (The Reporter) as deputy Secretary General, Theodore Mih Ndze (The Voice) as Treasurer, and Elias Ngalame (Eco Outlook) as Financial Secretary.
The team is further reinforced by Richard Nde Lajong (The Herald Tribune) as Press & Public Relations Officer), Ndiba Williams (Cameroon Echoes) as Organising Secretary, and Solomon Agborem (The DAWN) as Chief Dispute Officer. Auditors are Choves Loh (The News) and Abong Cletus (Eden), and for the Senior Advisers, we have Nkemngu Martin (Africa Excellence Mag.) and Bouddih Adams (The Post).
After his reelection, Ngah Christian encouraged his peers not to give up and to keep providing readers with reliable and accurate information.
As the participants departed Ebolowa for their respective newsrooms, the expectation is a visible shift in the Anglophone press; one that favors integrity and unity over sensationalism, ensuring the media remains a vital partner in Cameroon’s democratic process.
