Professor David Millar, President of the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies, has called upon Ghanaian journalists to engage in investigative journalism to contribute to the nation's development.

Speaking at the second edition of the Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards, Professor Millar emphasized the importance of intensive training programs to equip journalists, especially the younger generation, with investigative skills.

He donated copies of Manasseh Azure Awuni's book on investigative journalism to some award winners, highlighting the need for orientation and understanding of investigative journalism's significance among young journalists.

The awards ceremony, themed “Safeguarding the Peace and Security of Upper East Region: the Role of the Media,” recognized the contributions of ten journalists.

As the Chairman of this year's awards committee, Professor Millar urged the GJA at the national level to provide competencies and opportunities for journalists in Northern Ghana. He noted that journalists in the Northern region faced marginalization and often worked under challenging circumstances.

He called for affirmative action to empower these journalists, promoting their growth and contribution to societal development.

He also expressed concern about the disconnect between journalists in the North and South, citing instances where names of places were inaccurately attributed to the wrong regions. He urged the GJA to facilitate linkages between media houses in the North and South to address this issue.

Mrs. Linda Asante Agyei, the National Vice President of the GJA, emphasized the importance of media practitioners and institutions in the region in promoting peace and development, especially in light of the resurgence of conflict. She urged the media to avoid giving platforms to those who promote conflict.

Mrs. Agyei also highlighted the lack of female journalists among the awardees, urging female journalists to compete actively in the profession.

The GJA has instituted a category for Best Female Journalist to encourage greater female participation.

She announced that the GJA would celebrate its 75th Anniversary next year and host the 3rd Africa Media Convention, which would bring together media practitioners and partners from Africa and around the world to discuss critical issues in the media industry.

Mr. William Jalulah, the Upper East Regional Chairman of the GJA, commended journalists in the region for their contributions and called for circumspection when reporting on conflict issues.

The awards were sponsored by various organizations, including the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project and MTN Ghana, among others.