A group photograph of the celebrants with GJA and government officials
Some renowned journalists and institutions last Friday were honoured by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), on the celebration of World Press Freedom Day, for their contributions to the development of media and press freedom over the years.
The awardees who were recognised and received citations at the event include Kabral Blay Amihere, Gifty Afenyi Dadzie, Dr. Charles Wereko Brobbey, Prof. Kwame Karikari, Adwoa Yeboah Afari, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Elizabeth Ohene and Ben Ephson.
Other individuals including Sam Jonah, Bright Blewu, Kwasi Afriyie-Badu, Cameron Duodu, Crystal Djirackor and Wilnar and Alex Quarmyne were also recognised for their contributions to media development in Ghana.
World Press Freedom Day, first declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, is marked every May 3 to raise awareness of the importance of freedom of the press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression.
Individuals and institutions who were also recognised for their support over the years include the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), US Embassy, Unilever Ghana, Innolink and the Electoral Commission.
The rest are Frederich Ebert Foundation, Amakye Dede, Alex Dadey, Chairman, KGL Group of Companies, Dr. Paul Fynn, Chancellor of the Wisconsin University College, and the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB), while former GJA President Mr. Ransford Tetteh and Mr. Peter Martey Agbeko were also honoured.
Edward Adeti, a journalist with the Fourth Estate who was named PAV Ansah Journalist of the Year for his significant contribution to journalism, was awarded a cash amount of GH¢50,000.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State in charge of Government Communication, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, highlighted the need for journalists to take a solemn reflection on Ghana’s low press freedom rankings, attributing it to sometimes the unwarranted attacks on journalists among others.
“These incidents were deeply regrettable,” he said, “and must serve as a reminder that the protection of journalists is not optional, but rather a sacred constitutional duty.”
While acknowledging the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its importance to work in recent times, he said it could also pose a potential risk to work rather than providing support.
He, therefore, called on media professionals not to overlook scrutiny and deal with such challenges with vigilance and integrity.
The minister also assured the public of government’s commitment to conclude investigations and secure justice for investigative journalist Ahmed Suale, who was murdered.
“These acts of impunity will not define our future. We remain unwavering in our commitment to protecting journalists and upholding their constitutional freedoms,” he stressed.
Mr. Kwakye Ofosu further said press freedom must not “swing with political cycles but grounded in law”, while calling on security agencies, media owners, political actors, civil society, and political parties among others to safeguard journalists’ rights.
He also commended the awardees for their dedication and commitment to the media profession, and reaffirmed government’s support for a free and responsible press.
The President of GJA, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, in his opening address, also reiterated the need for caution in the use of AI given how it could affect the credibility of the media, despite the opportunities associated with its usage.
Mr. Dwumfour also said though the GJA would not countenance attacks on journalists, it shall also not condone irresponsible practices in the media.
He, therefore, asked Ghanaians to support journalists to help build a free, vibrant, resilient and innovative media landscape committed to serving the public in a rapidly evolving AI era.
The GJA President further hinted of plans by the Association to rename the Best Radio News Reporter award category after Dr. Charles Wereko- Brobby, popularly known as ‘Tarzan’, for his immense contribution to radio broadcast in Ghana.
The ceremony, which also brought together retired and practicing journalists from various media organisations across the country, was held under the theme: “Reporting in Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah