GJA Rolls Out Red Carpet for Press Freedom Champions

The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will honour a broad cross-section of individuals, institutions and organisations on Saturday for their contributions to press freedom, media development and democratic governance. The event, scheduled for the Alisa Hotel in Accra, is part of delayed commemorations of World Press Freedom Day, observed globally on May 3.

This year’s theme “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security” reflects growing concerns about the safety of journalists and the role of independent media in West Africa’s fragile democratic gains.

President John Dramani Mahama will be represented by Communication Minister Sam Nartey George as Special Guest of Honour. Also attending are Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo‑Markin an indication that the GJA is keen to project cross‑party support for media freedom. Dr Charity Binka, president of the African Women Leaders Network’s Ghana chapter, will chair the event.

The GJA has divided its awards into several tracks. Under press freedom advocates, the association recognises H.E. Alhaji Abdul‑Rahman Haruna Atta, a diplomat and media advocate; Samson Lardy Anyenini, the lawyer‑journalist who hosts Joy FM’s Newsfile; and the late Justice Kwame Afreh, a former Court of Appeal judge, who receives a posthumous citation for his landmark rulings on media rights.

The Dedication and Valour Award goes to veteran journalists including Sir Benedict Batabe Assorow (formerly of The Catholic Standard), ex‑ambassador Gina Blay, sports broadcaster Kwabena Yeboah, former Graphic Communications Group manager Kofi Badu, academic Dr Gamel Nasser Adam, and linguist Prof Kofi Agyekum. Posthumous valour awards will be given to Abubakari Sidick Ahmed of Radio Universe and the late Nana Kwame Korang, chief of Awua Doumasie.

For media development and governance, honourees include GBC Director‑General Prof Amin Alhassan, former Graphic Board Chairman Prof Omane Antwi, and former Information Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi. Corporate leadership is recognised through Media General’s Beatrice Agyeman, Multimedia’s Ken Ansah, and Despite Media’s Fada Dickson Narh.