Benin : Michel Ahonon appointed President of the Technical Committee for the Press Card

Signed by HAAC Chairman Édouard C. Loko, the decision names eight members, representing both the institution and professional media organisations.

HAAC’s representatives

Four HAAC officials will sit on the Committee:

• Michel Ahonon, head of the Press Card Service, representing the Directorate of Media, Ethics and Professional Conduct;
• Rasak Adeleke, head of the Frequency Management Service, representing the Directorate of Technical Affairs and Information Systems;
• Franck Alain Ahodegnon, head of the Litigation Service, representing the Directorate of Legislation and Litigation;
• Chams-Deen Orou Kassé, accounting officer, representing the Administrative and Financial Directorate.

Representatives of professional associations

Three members drawn from Benin’s press umbrella organisations complete the Committee’s composition:

• Pulchérie Sessi Gbémenou, for the Observatoire de la Déontologie et de l’Éthique dans les Médias (ODEM);
• Hervé Hessou, for the Union des Professionnels des Médias du Bénin (UPMB);
• Sylvestre Sossou, for the Conseil National du Patronat de la Presse et de l’Audiovisuel (CNPA-Bénin).

The Committee’s bureau

In accordance with decision No. 25-027/HAAC of May 5, 2025, on the organisation and operation of the Committee, the bureau is composed as follows:

• Chairman: Michel Ahonon
• First rapporteur: Hervé Hessou
• Second rapporteur: Sylvestre Sossou

The decision, which repeals all prior conflicting provisions, takes effect from the date of its signature and will be published in the Journal Officiel.

This appointment marks a new step in implementing Benin’s regulatory framework for the journalism profession, particularly regarding accreditation and recognition of professional journalist status.