Major (rtd) Albert Don-Chebe, former Director-General of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), has highlighted the media's vital role in promoting democratic governance and accountability. He made these remarks at the second edition of the Upper West Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards ceremony in Wa. The event recognized seven outstanding journalists for their contributions to the profession. Major Don-Chebe emphasized that without a free media, democracy cannot exist.
The awards ceremony, themed "Upholding Media Excellence: Promoting Ethical Journalism, Accountability, and Regional Development," honored journalists from various media outlets. They included Philip Tengzu of Ghana News Agency, Ibrahim Muniru of Radio Mak, and Ayamga Bawa Fatawu, a freelance journalist. Others were Rafiq Nungor Adam of Channel 247, Ibrahim Abubakari Wangara of Media General, Gladys Wein Kitty of GBC Radio Upper West, and Kwadwo Baffoe Donkor of Daily Graphic.
Major Don-Chebe expressed concern about Ghana's ranking on the media freedom index but noted that media freedom in the country is gradually improving. He recalled that Ghana was once among the first 25 countries with the freest media in the world, a position he hopes to see restored. The Major emphasized the importance of initiatives like the awards ceremony in motivating journalists to remain committed to their professional responsibilities.
Mr. Dominic Hlordzi, General Secretary of the GJA, represented the GJA President at the event. He observed that awards ceremonies are essential for promoting excellence, encouraging healthy competition, and raising professional standards within the media. Mr. Hlordzi commended the leadership of the Association in the region for the initiative and emphasized the need for journalism to focus on community concerns and development priorities.
Mr. Hlordzi urged journalists in the region to intensify reportage on critical sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, sanitation, youth development, and tourism. He stressed the importance of highlighting the concerns and aspirations of communities and exposing challenges that require urgent attention. Journalists were also encouraged to use their platforms to amplify the concerns of underrepresented communities.
The GJA Awards ceremony provided a platform to appreciate and acknowledge the contributions of journalists to the growth of the profession. Major Don-Chebe's remarks underscored the significance of a free media in a democratic society. The event demonstrated the Association's commitment to promoting professionalism and rewarding responsible, ethical, and development-oriented journalism.
The recognition of outstanding journalists and media practitioners is consistent with the Association's aim of promoting media excellence. The awards ceremony serves as a reminder of the critical role that journalists play in shaping public discourse and promoting accountability.
Key points
- Media freedom is crucial for a healthy democracy.
- Journalists play a vital role in promoting community development and accountability.
- Awards ceremonies can motivate journalists to remain committed to their professional responsibilities.
