GJA launches 29th Media Awards; first-ever national ceremony to be held in Kumasi

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has launched the 29th edition of its annual Media Awards in Accra, with a renewed commitment to honouring excellence, creativity, and dedication in journalism.

For the first time in the history of the awards, the ceremony will be held outside Accra, at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi, on November 8, under the royal patronage of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene. The decision marks a significant step toward inclusivity and national participation in Ghana’s most prestigious media recognition event.

This year’s event is themed: “Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peace, Security, and the Fight against Galamsey.”

At the launch, which also saw the inauguration of the Awards and Planning Committees, Mr Felix Ofosu Kwakye, Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, commended the GJA for decentralising the event. He described the move as “a long-overdue step toward greater inclusivity,” noting that journalists outside Accra had often felt underrepresented.

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“For many years, it has been held in Accra, and that has appeared to under-represent the interests of your members who live outside of Accra,” he said. “So it was with great delight that we received the news about the decision to host the event in Kumasi this year.”

Mr Ofosu Kwakye reaffirmed government’s commitment to supporting the awards and ensuring a successful event, saying, “We intend to do whatever we can to make this year’s celebration a success.”

He praised the GJA for sustaining the awards for nearly three decades, describing them as “the most sought-after within the journalistic fraternity.”

Touching on the changing media landscape, he urged the GJA to embrace the rise of digital journalism and social media-driven reporting. “In the past, journalism was practised in traditional ways. Lately, the advent of social media and developments like AI have thrown challenges to these traditional methods,” he said.

He also recognised the growing influence of digital content creators, suggesting that rather than viewing them as intruders, they should be mentored and trained to improve their professionalism.

Mr Ofosu Kwakye further assured journalists of the government’s commitment to press freedom, while emphasising the need to curb misinformation and online abuse. “We will not act in any way that undermines press freedom,” he said, stressing that President John Dramani Mahama remains a staunch supporter of free expression.

Mr Albert Dwumfour, President of the GJA, described this year’s awards as both a “royal and national celebration.”

He said the awards transcend recognition; they reaffirm the mission of journalists to serve the public interest with truth, integrity, and accountability.

“Journalists across Ghana have strengthened democracy, exposed corruption, protected the environment, and amplified the voices of ordinary citizens,” he said. “As we launch this year’s Awards, let us be reminded that the story of Ghana cannot be written without the voices of our journalists.”

Mr. Dwumfour added that holding the event in Kumasi under the patronage of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II was symbolic of unity and national cohesion. “His Majesty embodies peace, justice, and leadership, values that lie at the heart of responsible journalism,” he said.

To encourage full participation, the GJA President announced that accommodation and transportation would be provided for more than 500 journalists travelling to Kumasi.

“We are not just organising an event; we are creating an experience, a celebration of our craft, our unity, and our contribution to Ghana’s democratic journey,” he stated.

He also expressed appreciation to sponsors, including KGL Group of Companies and Alisa Hotel, for their continuous support.

The awards weekend will begin with a welcome reception at the Lancaster Hotel on November 7, followed by a health walk on the morning of November 8, and the main awards ceremony at 4:00 p.m. at the Manhyia Palace. Later in the evening, the Asantehene will host a royal dinner reception in honour of award winners and guests.

The nine-member Awards Committee is chaired by Mr Gabriel Bosompem, former Commissioner of the National Media Commission and ex-Production Manager at TV3. Other members include Mr Kingsley Obeng-Kyere, Madam Nana Yaa Konadu, Madam Theresa Owusu Ako, Madam Agnes Boye-Doe, Mr David Andoh, Alhaji Salifu Abdul Rahaman, Mr Samuel Bio, and Mr Jeorge Wilson Kingston.