The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has launched its 30th Media Awards, with a nine-member committee constituted to supervise, review entries, and select winners. The committee, chaired by Kobby Asmah, a Commissioner of the National Media Commission, will oversee the awards ceremony scheduled for November 7, 2026, in Accra. The GJA received 327 entries from 206 journalists, one of the highest numbers of entries recorded in recent years.
The entries cut across various media platforms, with 125 from online, 100 from television, 46 from print, and 45 from radio. GJA President, Albert Dwumfour, attributed the strong response to the continued commitment of Ghanaian journalists to professional excellence and the recognition of outstanding journalism. The 30th GJA Media Awards will celebrate excellence in Ghanaian journalism, with two new additions: the New Media Platform Award and the Governor's Economic and Financial Story of the Year Award.
The New Media Platform Award aims to promote professionalism, ethical conduct, and excellence among bloggers and new media practitioners. The Governor's Economic and Financial Story of the Year Award, introduced by the current Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Pandit Asiama, has attracted significant interest, receiving over 10 entries despite being a new category.
Inaugurating the committee, the GJA President emphasized the importance of fairness, independence, transparency, and professionalism in the selection process. The committee will assess the entries and submit a final report for consideration and approval. The GJA President wished the committee wisdom, fairness, and integrity as it undertakes this important responsibility.
The awards ceremony will feature several dignitaries, including President John Dramani Mahama, the Special Guest of Honour, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II; the GJA Patron, Ga Mantse Nii Teiko Tsuru; the Chairperson for the event, the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, and the Chief Justice, Paul Baffoe-Bonnie.
The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who was the Guest of Honour, urged the nine-member awards committee to work with fairness, independence, and clear standards. He emphasized the importance of recognizing journalism that is accurate, courageous, original, innovative, and useful to the public.
The Chief of Staff described the media as an indispensable estate in Ghana's democratic governance, stressing that scrutiny of government is not disloyalty. He highlighted the media's role in defending democracy, exposing wrongdoing, and giving citizens a voice.
Key points
- The Ghana Journalists Association received 327 entries from 206 journalists for its 30th Media Awards.
- The awards ceremony will take place on November 7, 2026, in Accra.
- A nine-member committee has been constituted to supervise, review entries, and select winners.
