Philip Osei Bonsu of Asempa FM Wins Journalist of the Year at 30th GJA Awards

The 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards took place on Saturday night, recognizing outstanding journalistic work and celebrating the media's contribution to Ghana's democratic governance, national cohesion, and socio-economic development. The ceremony, held under the theme "30th GJA Media Awards: Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age," honored prominent personalities for their contributions to various sectors.

Mr. Philip Osei Bonsu, host of Asempa FM's flagship program, Ekosii Sen, was adjudged the P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year. He was recognized for his contribution to shaping national discourse, influencing public policy, and promoting meaningful change through his program. Ekosii Sen was also named the Best Ghanaian Language Radio Programme for the year under review.

Other notable winners include Ms. Jennifer Frimpong Wiredu of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC)/Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), who was named the Most Promising Student Journalist of the Year. Mr. Moses Appiah of A1 Radio won the Komla Dumor Most Promising Journalist of the Year award. The awards ceremony had President John Dramani Mahama as the Special Guest of Honour.

Upon receiving the award, Mr. Osei Bonsu expressed his gratitude to the management and staff of the Multimedia Group and the production team of Ekosii Sen for their support. He stated that his career had been guided by humility, hard work, and a commitment to excellence. He also expressed hope that the recognition would inspire his colleagues to pursue excellence in their work.

The ceremony saw various personalities being honored for their contributions to democratic governance, public service, national security, traditional leadership, entrepreneurship, and socio-economic development. These included Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, and His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse.

The event also recognized outstanding works in various categories, including print, television, radio, and online news reporting. Mohammed Fugu (Graphic) won Best in Print News Reporting, while Nabil Amed Rufai (Freelance) won Best Television News Reporting. Ridwan Osman (EIB Group) and Timothy Ngembge (Graphic) also received awards for Best Radio News Reporting and Best Online News Reporting, respectively.

The 30th GJA Media Awards also renewed calls for responsible journalism, media freedom, and professionalism in the digital era. The ceremony was chaired by the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, and had various other notable personalities in attendance.

Key points

• Philip Osei Bonsu of Asempa FM was named the P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year at the 30th GJA Awards.
• The 30th GJA Media Awards recognized outstanding journalistic work and celebrated the media's contribution to Ghana's development.
• The ceremony called for responsible journalism, media freedom, and professionalism in the digital era.