30th GJA Awards to Celebrate Excellence in Journalism Tonight

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will tonight hold the 30th edition of its flagship Media Awards at the Palms Convention Centre of the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra. The ceremony, themed “30th GJA Media Awards: Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age,” will recognise journalists whose work has made significant contributions to Ghana’s development, democratic governance and national cohesion.

The milestone edition will also honour distinguished personalities whose leadership and service have contributed to the country’s progress in public service, security, traditional leadership, entrepreneurship and other sectors. Among the national honourees are Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin; former President John Agyekum Kufuor; Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II; Chief of Staff Julius Debrah; Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohonu; Executive Chairman of KGL Group Alex Dadey; Executive Chairman of Tobinco Group of Companies Nana Amo Tobin; and Chief Executive Officer of Special Ice Company Ernest Ofori Sarpong.

President John Dramani Mahama is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour and deliver the keynote address. Other prominent guests expected include Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who is the Patron of the Awards; Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who will chair the ceremony; Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin; and Chief Justice Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie. The gathering is also expected to attract senior government officials, Members of Parliament, members of the Judiciary, traditional leaders, diplomats, corporate executives, media owners, editors and journalists.

Minister of State in charge of Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Governor of the Bank of Ghana Dr Johnson Pandit Asiama, and Secretary-General of the Federation of African Journalists Omar Faruk Osman are among the other invited dignitaries. The GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, will host the ceremony. Beyond the presentation of awards, guests will enjoy an evening of music, fine dining and entertainment.

Ghanaian musician Kwabena Kwabena, the Nkwan Pa Band and entertainer Kobi Rana and his team are billed to perform at the event. Guests will also be served a plated dinner prepared by MensCook, alongside cocktails from Cocktail Laboratory. The 30th edition of the awards is expected to provide an opportunity for the Association to reflect on the media’s contribution to Ghana’s democratic development while renewing calls for ethical journalism, professionalism and the protection of media freedom in an increasingly digital environment.

The GJA Media Awards remain a platform for rewarding outstanding journalistic work, encouraging creativity and promoting responsible reporting. The Association has invited its members, partners and stakeholders to join in marking the milestone celebration. The ceremony will also serve as a reminder of the importance of the media in Ghana’s democratic process and the need for continued support and protection for journalists.

The event is a culmination of the GJA’s efforts to promote excellence in journalism and national service. With the attendance of high-profile guests and the recognition of outstanding individuals, the 30th GJA Awards are set to be a memorable celebration of Ghana’s media and its contributions to the country’s development.

Key points

• The 30th GJA Awards will recognise journalists and distinguished personalities for their contributions to Ghana’s development and democratic governance.
• President John Dramani Mahama will deliver the keynote address at the ceremony.
• The event will feature performances by Ghanaian musicians and entertainers, as well as a plated dinner and cocktails.