Reminiscing Table 1

By Fiifi NETTEY

Sometimes, I find myself missing Table 1—one of the most vibrant spaces within the Ghana Journalists Association’s (GJA), Ghana International Press Centre (GiPC). It wasn’t just a table. It was a gathering spot, a living archive of journalism in Ghana, where seasoned professionals met daily to exchange stories, debate ideas and reflect on the evolving media landscape.

At Table 1, senior journalists brought the newsroom to life again. They relived their years in the field—sharing tales of investigative pursuits, political reporting, entertainment coverage and the evolution of journalism shaped by technology. For anyone who joined, the energy was magnetic. You never wanted to leave.

It wasn’t all talk but drinks and snacks were always available to wet parched throats. On occasions, a buffet of food – including kenkey, banku and rice was served with pork chops and chicken wings or grilled tilapia and pepper. Exclusive as the name may sound, Table 1 welcomed almost anybody within the media fraternity to its regular evening “sittings”, moderated by journalists of repute.

The permanent members of this remarkable circle included Pedro Pyne, Baba Abdulai, Francis Kukutse, Peter Agbeko Jnr, Kodzo Chapman, Lloyd Evans, Ibrahim Gariba, Kwasi Kpodo, Dave Agbenu, Hon Nii Lante Vanderpuije, Hon. Joe Baidoe Ansah, Gayheart Mensah, Ruth Adjorlolo, Abel Gayvolor, Wendy Asiama, Jude Agbemava, Dr. Henry Alhassan Shirazu, Ernest Domie, Isaac Nii Adom Hammond, Osbert Nii Okaitey, Frank Amoh Agyare, Hadiza Nuhu Billa Quansah and  Dr.  Kwadwo Ansong Boateng. Some of the members have passed on to eternity: former Director of Agric Alhaji E. Adam Mahama, Godwin Avenorgbor, Pearl Asamoah, musician Gilbert Amartey Amarh – aka Chikinchee, and Nana Ama Eson Mensah.

As Coordinator of the GIPC’s Media Hut, where Table 1 held court, I was responsible for the logistics and the set-up, ensuring the chairs and tables were ready as well as plates for the day’s gathering.

From Monday to Friday, Table 1 came alive between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Members joined in turns—some arriving early morning and spending the day, others at midday, and many dropping by after work till late.

Pedro Pyne, one of the key sponsors, often made sure The Table was well-stocked with drinks and snacks to keep the conversations flowing. Every day at Table 1 felt special; yet some moments stood out, including birthday celebrations.

There was the unforgettable party at Gayheart Mensah’s home; the trip to Keta to mourn with Kwasi Kpodo at his father’s funeral; and the journey to the Western Region for the funeral of Mr. Bright Blewu’s mother. These occasions deepened the bond among colleagues and turned professional acquaintances into family.

Beyond its core members, Table 1 often welcomed visiting journalists—senior colleagues who passed through to listen, contribute or simply soak in the atmosphere. Each visit added to the richness of the discussions. They go back very refreshed. They always come back on other days to join in the discussions and bring others.

It was the one place where practical journalism truly came alive. The veterans shared invaluable lessons from their own careers—how stories were pursued, gathered and eventually published. Their accounts offered vivid insights into the challenges they faced and the triumphs they achieved along the way.

One of the most unforgettable moments of Table 1 was the lively gathering at Dansoman, a day filled with laughter and camaraderie. In stark contrast was the June 3rd tragedy, when floodwaters forced members to hurriedly abandon their seats and seek safety. Then, there were the lighter routines—the kenkey sessions and the irresistible grilled chicken from Papaye Restaurant that became our evening delight and sometimes chicken Khebad from Prisons Officers Mess.

To me, Table 1 was more than just a table. It was a classroom of wisdom, a fellowship of shared experiences and a reminder of why journalism matters. I miss those afternoons and evenings—sitting with the last man standing, knowing that with every story told, the spirit of Ghanaian journalism was being preserved.

I truly miss my senior colleagues who used to share their untold journalism stories drawn from personal experiences. I deeply admire their years of dedication to the profession, their loyalty to the craf, and their commitment to keeping journalism alive and meaningful. Table 1 was a space for learning real, practical journalism — and I believe we should find a way to bring it back to make the place lively again.

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