Mr. Richard McMillan served as the first principal of the Ghana Institute of Journalism. In 1959 when GIJ was established, he was then retiring as Director of British Information Services in Ghana. Mr. McMillan, who also taught journalism, served for three years as principal — until 1962. Today the GIJ library is named the Richard McMillan Library in honour of the Institute’s first principal.
| NAME | DURATION |
|---|---|
| Professor Kwansah-Aidoo | 2018- |
| Dr. Modestus Fosu | 2018 |
| Dr. W.S.K Dzisah | 2014-2018 |
| Mr. David Newton | 2009-2014 |
| Mr. Kweku Rockson | 2006-2009 |
| Mr. David Newton | 1993-2006 |
| Mr. Kojo Yankah | 1984-1993 |
| Mr. Kwame Duffour | 1983-1984 |
| Mr. Kabral Blay Amihere | 1982-1983 |
| Mr. R. Quartey | 1979-1982 |
| Mr. G. F. Dove | 1973-1978 |
| Mr. Fred Agyeman | 1969-1973 |
| Mr. Martin Tay | 1968-1969 |
| Mr. W.G. Smith | 1965-1966 |
| Mr. Cecil Forde | 1963-1965 |
| Mr. Sam Arthur | 1962-1963 |