Speaker Alban S.K. Bagbin presenting the award to Mr. Ernest Kofi Adu
Parliament has honoured outstanding members of the Parliamentary Press Corps and reaffirmed its commitment to media freedom, transparency and accountability, at a special Parliamentary Media Recognition Night and Soiree held on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at the forecourt of Parliament.
The highlight of the night was the award of Best Print Journalist for 2025 to DAILY GUIDE’s Parliamentary Correspondent, Ernest Kofi Adu, in recognition of his excellence in parliamentary reporting, professional integrity and dedication to truthful journalism that informs and empowers the Ghanaian public.
Mr. Adu received a plaque and citation praising his sharp reporting, gripping storytelling and ability to break down complex parliamentary debates, legislation and policy issues into accessible narratives that promote public discourse and democratic accountability.
The citation described his work as embodying “the highest standards of accuracy, relevance and ethical rigour,” making Parliament’s work meaningful to ordinary citizens.
Several other journalists and media professionals were also recognised for their contributions. They included Rachel Quartey of GBC, named Best Journalist for Public Service Broadcast; Paul Egbenya of Channel One TV, Best Camera Operator; Frank Bruce of Odekro, Best Social Media Journalist; Elsie Appiah of the Ghana News Agency, Best Online Journalist; Kwaku Asante of Joy News and Joy FM, Best TV and Radio Journalist (English); and Emmanuel Akorli of Peace FM and UTV, Best TV and Radio Journalist (Twi). Long Service Awards went to Awudu Mahama of The Custodian newspaper and Osman Ahmed Alidu, a freelance journalist.
There were also special citations presented to the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and the Clerk to Parliament, Ebenezer Ahuma Djietror, in recognition of their support for media engagement and parliamentary openness.
In a wide-ranging address, Speaker Bagbin described the media as an indispensable pillar of democracy and a critical bridge between Parliament and the people.
He noted that Ghana’s Constitution places sovereignty in the hands of the people, with Parliament exercising delegated authority on their behalf, making the role of the media in informing citizens indispensable.
“The word is the world,” the Speaker said, stressing that democracy thrives on information, responsible communication and public understanding.
He praised the Parliamentary Press Corps for spending “sleepless nights” translating the technical and complex business of Parliament into stories the public can understand, adding that Parliament would never support laws or actions that undermine press freedom.
The Speaker announced that the Parliamentary Media Recognition Night would become an annual event, and pledged continued collaboration with journalists, including improvements in internet connectivity, media access, and support for parliamentary reporting both locally and internationally.
He reaffirmed Parliament’s resolve not to pass any legislation, including amendments to the Electronic Communications Act, that would stifle constitutionally guaranteed freedoms.
President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, commended Parliament for recognising the media’s contribution to democratic governance and accountability.
He described the relationship between Parliament and the media as “central to democracy,” noting that without journalists, citizens would not know how their Members of Parliament (MPs) represent them or how laws are made.
Mr. Dwumfour appealed for sustained institutional support for journalists covering Parliament, acknowledging the demanding and often challenging nature of their work.
He reaffirmed the GJA’s commitment to responsible, ethical and professional journalism, while urging Parliament to resist laws and regulations that could be used to suppress free speech.
He raised concerns about aspects of the Electronic Communications Act and other laws being applied against journalists, arguing that such provisions were increasingly being used as substitutes for the repealed Criminal Libel Law.
He called for a review or clarification of such laws to safeguard press freedom.
The GJA President also renewed calls for improved conditions of service for journalists, including the possibility of a private member’s bill to standardise remuneration and strengthen the economic independence of media practitioners, which he described as a key factor affecting Ghana’s ranking on the World Press Freedom Index.
A Daily Guide Report