Alexander Afenyo-Markin presenting the citation to Amb. Gina Ama Blay
Former Ghana Ambassador to Germany, Gina Ama Blay, has been honoured by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) for her outstanding contribution to journalism, media development and the advancement of women in the media profession.
The recognition formed part of activities marking this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebration held in Accra under the theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.”
Mrs. Blay received a customised award plaque and citation in recognition of her decades of service to the nation’s media industry and her advocacy for greater female participation in journalism and media management.
According to the citation, she played a pioneering role in breaking barriers for women in the profession and contributed significantly to media development, democratic discourse and public communication in the country.
“You broke barriers and opened doors for many women seeking careers in journalism and media management. Your contribution to media development, democratic discourse, and public communication has left a lasting and indelible mark on our national life and the lives of Ghanaians,” part of the citation stated.
The citation further praised her diplomatic service, describing it as a reflection of the integrity, patriotism and commitment that characterised her journalism career.
The event also honoured several distinguished personalities under the GJA’s Dedication and Valour Award category for their contributions to journalism, media education and national development.
Among the recipients were Benedict Batabe Assorow, veteran journalist and former Editor of The Catholic Standard; Kwabena Yeboah, renowned sports broadcaster; Kofi Badu, former Managing Director of Graphic Communications Group Limited; Gamel Nasser Adam; and Prof. Kofi Agyekum, a renowned linguist and media commentator.
Posthumous honours were also conferred on Abubakari Sidick Ahmed and Nana Kwame Korang in recognition of their invaluable contributions to journalism and public service.
Other awardees included Amin Alhassan, Omane Antwi and Kofi Totobi Quakyi, who were recognised for their contributions to media development, governance and capacity building.
The GJA also honoured media executives including Beatrice Agyeman, Ken Ansah and Fada Dickson Narh for their leadership and role in strengthening the nation’s media industry.
Institutions recognised for supporting journalism and national development included Graphic Communications Group Limited, The Catholic Standard, Bank of Ghana, Ghana News Agency and Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra.
Speaking at the event, the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, said Ghana had made significant progress in press freedom, citing the country’s rise from 52nd to 39th position globally in the 2026 World Press Freedom Index and its current ranking as fourth in Africa.
He attributed the achievement to the collective efforts of journalists, editors, media owners, civil society organisations, development partners and democratic institutions committed to protecting media freedom.
Mr. Dwumfour, however, cautioned that the improved ranking should not obscure the challenges journalists continue to face.
According to him, threats to press freedom have evolved beyond direct censorship and now include Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs), digital surveillance, economic pressures on media organisations, online harassment and attacks on journalists covering sensitive issues such as illegal mining, corruption and politics.
“If Ghana is to remain the beacon of press freedom in West Africa, then we must protect journalists not only in principle and law, but also in practice,” he said.
The Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, who represented President John Dramani Mahama, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to media freedom and freedom of expression.
He said no journalist had been killed, forced into exile or had a media organisation shut down for critical reporting under the current administration.
“We remain committed to building bridges between the government and the media fraternity, and not walls. Constructive engagement, regular press briefings and transparent communication are not concessions. They are obligations of democratic governance, and this administration takes them seriously,” he stated.
BY Prince Fiifi Yorke