Dominic Hlordzi
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has opened entries for the 29th GJA Media Awards, inviting journalists across the country to submit their best work for recognition.
In a release signed by the General Secretary, Dominic Hlordzi, the Association called for entries beginning Friday, September 12, and will close on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at exactly 11:59 pm. The GJA has emphasised that no extensions will be granted beyond the deadline.
This year’s awards ceremony will be held in Manhyia, Kumasi, the Ashanti regional capital, and is expected to be a remarkable celebration of journalistic excellence.
Only members of the GJA in good standing are eligible to participate in the awards. Submitted works must have been published or broadcast between January 1 and December 31, 2024.
According to the GJA, applicants may submit entries for up to two award divisions, with a maximum of two works per division. However, the same piece of work cannot be submitted under more than one division. Entrants must submit original, clearly published or broadcast versions of their work. Additionally, all applicants are required to upload a recent passport-sized photo. Student journalists must also include a scanned copy of their valid student ID card.
The Association strongly advised applicants to ensure a reliable internet connection during the submission process to avoid any technical difficulties. All entries must be titled “GJA MEDIA AWARDS 2025” and must clearly state the applicant’s personal information, media house, and contact details, the Association added.
The Awards Committee will also select the overall best story from across the categories for consideration by the National Executive. From this pool, top honours such as the GJA/P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year, Best Female Journalist of the Year, Komla Dumor Most Promising Journalist of the Year, and Best Student Journalist of the Year will be determined.
The awards will span a wide range of categories, including news, features, documentaries, column writing, and thematic reporting across sectors such as sports, education, health, environment, crime, governance, and more. Special awards will also recognise excellence in disability reporting, road safety, domestic tourism, and the fight against illegal mining. Recognition will be given for the best radio and TV programmes in both English and the Ghanaian languages, as well as newspaper layout design.
Emerging talent will be celebrated through categories such as Best Student Journalist, Most Promising Journalist, and Best Female Journalist. The GJA/P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year will be awarded to the journalist whose work best exemplifies excellence, integrity, and impact.
All entries are to be submitted strictly online via WeTransfer using the link: https://we.tl/r-KqYf62tiQ0.
By Vera Owusu Sarpong