Nana Nteboa Pra IV launching the awards ceremony
The Divisional Chief of Himan-Prestea, in the Western Region, Nana Nteboa Pra IV, has condemned the incessant attacks on journalists and media practitioners, saying they undermine press freedom.
“The attacks, intimidation and poor working conditions of journalists undermine press freedom and weaken public confidence,” he stressed.
The chief was speaking at the official launch of the first Media and Corporate Impact (CI) Awards by the Western and Western North Regional branches of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The awards, launched under the theme “Reporting Progress. Investing in People,” seek to honour journalists whose work has shaped public discourse, influenced policy, promoted transparency and documented the development journey of the Western and Western North Regions.
The initiative will also recognise corporate institutions whose investments and social interventions continue to transform communities and improve lives.
He stressed the need for decisive action to address issues affecting media practitioners, and urged stakeholders not to trivialise the challenges confronting journalists.
He also challenged media owners to prioritise the welfare of their employees by investing in their professional growth and improving working conditions.
Nana Nteboa Pra IV encouraged practitioners in the new media space to prioritise factual, balanced and responsible reporting over sensationalism.
He further challenged journalists to continue championing the development narrative of the Western and Western North Regions by highlighting opportunities, successes and challenges across the various sectors of the economy.
He commended journalists for their indispensable role in promoting accountability, amplifying community voices and driving sustainable development across the two regions.
The Western Regional Chairman of the GJA, Desmond Cudjoe, described journalism as the bridge between development and the people, stressing that progress only becomes meaningful when citizens are informed, empowered and able to hold duty-bearers accountable.
He noted that journalists remain at the forefront of every major national and community development story—reporting on education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection, governance, business and social issues—often under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions.
“Journalists are among the first to arrive when disaster strikes, the first to tell the stories of vulnerable communities and the first to expose wrongdoing. Yet many continue to work under insecure conditions, with inadequate resources and remuneration that falls far below the value they create for society,” he said.
Mr. Cudjoe therefore called for greater investment in journalists through improved welfare, safety, training and professional development, stressing that investing in journalists ultimately strengthens democracy, accountability and national development.
The launch also featured solidarity messages from representatives of state institutions, traditional authorities, corporate organisations, civil society groups and development partners, who paid glowing tribute to journalists for their commitment to informing the public despite numerous challenges.
The competitive award categories include best reporter in Infrastructure, Fisheries, Cocoa and Agriculture, Oil, Gas and Energy, Environment, Education, Sports, Crime and Legal Affairs, Health, Gender and Social Inclusion, and Business and Labour Affairs.
The awards are open to original journalistic works produced by journalists within the Western and Western North Regions between June 2025 and July 2026.
Beyond journalism, the initiative introduces the Corporate Impact Awards, which will honour organisations demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainable development.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi