President Akufo-Addo has touted the role of the media in Ghana’s democracy.
He said the media, since the attainment of the country’s independence from colonial rule, have played a pivotal role in the gains made so far.
“The media plays a vital role in any democracy, serving as the cornerstone of truth and accountability. By providing accurate and timely information, journalists empower citizens to make informed decisions, especially during elections.
They are the watchdogs who hold power to account, expose corruption, and ensure that governments remain transparent and responsive to the people they serve. A free and independent media is essential to a thriving democracy, and it is through their tireless work that Ghana continues to build and sustain its democratic foundations,” he said at the 28th edition of the Ghana Journalists Awards held on September 28.
The ceremony, which also marked the 75th anniversary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) was held under the theme, “75 years of excellence in journalism: The role of the media in democratic governance and elections.”
President Akufo-Addo, who was the Special Guest, used the occasion to reassure journalists of their freedom in their discharge of their duties even as his presidency comes to an end.
“I also reaffirm my government’s commitment to press freedom, having repealed the Criminal Libel Law and passed the Right to Information Act, both of which empower the media to perform its critical function without fear of persecution,” he assured.
“As I near the end of my presidency, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Ghana’s journalists for their dedication, resilience, and courage. They have been an indispensable partner in our democratic growth,” the president touted.
At the event, 32 journalists who distinguished themselves in 2023 were awarded.
Among them were Media General’s Godwin Asediba, Stanley Nii Blewu, Castro Senyalah and Bill Eshun.
Edward Adeti of Media Without Borders worn the Overall Journalist of the Year 2023.
The rest are:
- Evans Aziamor-Mensah, The Fourth Estate;
- Benedicta Gyimah Folley, Ghanaian Times;
- Edmund Smith-Asante, Daily Graphic;
- Philip Teye Agbove, The Fourth Estate;
- Doreen Ampofo, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation;
- Delali Sika, Daily Graphic;
- Edward Adeti, Media Without Borders;
- Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman, EIB Network;
- Timothy Ngnenbe, Daily Graphic;
- Emmanuel Bruce, Daily Graphic;
- David Andoh, Multimedia Group Ltd;
- Erastus Asare Donkor, Multimedia Group Ltd;
- Jonathan Donkor, Ghanaian Times;
- Kester Aburam Korankye, Daily Graphic;
- Beatrice Senadju, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation;
- Clara Mlano, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation;
- Dr Neta Kris Abiana Parsram, Multimedia Group Ltd;
- Solomon Jojo Cobbinah, Multimedia Group Ltd;
- Fred Duhoe, Channel One TV;
- Seth J. Bokpe, The Fourth Estate;
- Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, Multimedia Group Ltd:
- Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah, Multimedia Group Ltd;
- Edward Acquah, Ghana News Agency;
- Clinton Yeboah, Multimedia Group Ltd;
- Daily Graphic;
- Joy FM;
- Joy News;
- Atinka TV, and
- Obonu FM
