The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will host a special event on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra to honour distinguished individuals, institutions, and organizations for their significant contributions to press freedom, media development, democratic governance, and national progress. This ceremony is a key part of Ghana’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebrations.
Context: World Press Freedom Day and its Significance
The event aligns with the global theme for WPFD 2026: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.” World Press Freedom Day, observed annually on May 3, was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993. It serves as a reminder of the importance of a free and independent press and highlights the critical role media plays in democratic societies. The GJA’s event emphasizes the local application of these global principles, recognizing those who actively champion these values within Ghana.
Distinguished Honorees and Award Categories
The GJA will recognize several prominent figures across various categories. The first group of honorees celebrates those who have strengthened the promotion, protection, and advancement of press freedom in Ghana. This includes Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Haruna Atta, a diplomat and media advocate; Samson Lardy Anyenini, a lawyer and journalist; and the late Justice Kwame Afreh, a former Supreme Court Justice, who will receive a posthumous award.
A ‘Dedication and Valour Award’ will be presented to veteran journalists and media professionals. Honorees include Sir Benedict Batabe Assorow, former Editor of The Catholic Standard; Ambassador Gina Blay, a former Ambassador to Germany and journalist; Kwabena Yeboah, a renowned sports journalist; Kofi Badu, former MD of Graphic Communications Group; Dr. Gamel Nasser Adam, a media practitioner and academic; and Prof. Kofi Agyekum, a linguist and scholar.
Posthumous awards will also be given to Abubakari Sidick Ahmed of Radio Universe and Nana Kwame Korang, Chief of Awua Doumasie, acknowledging their significant contributions and dedication to journalism.
Recognizing Media Development and Institutional Support
In the realm of media development, governance, and capacity building, the GJA will honour Prof. Amin Alhassan, Director-General of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation; Prof. Omane Antwi, a governance expert and former Board Chairman of Graphic Communications Group; and Kofi Totobi Quakyi, a former Minister of Information.
Leadership in the media industry will also be celebrated with awards for Beatrice Agyeman, Group CEO of Media General; Ken Ansah, COO of Multimedia Group; and Fada Dickson Narh, MD of Despite Media Group, for their exemplary contributions to the growth of Ghana’s media landscape.
Several institutions are set to receive recognition for their unwavering support of journalism, media growth, and national development. These include Graphic Communications Group Limited, The Catholic Standard, the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana News Agency, and Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra.
A Special Recognition Award will be presented to H.E. Hüseyin Güngör, the Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, for his exceptional support and commitment to strengthening relations with the Ghanaian media and the GJA.
Event Details and Atmosphere
The ceremony is expected to draw approximately 300 guests, including government officials, Members of Parliament, ambassadors, UN representatives, members of the Diplomatic Corps, media executives, corporate partners, and veteran journalists. The event will be graced by Sam Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, representing President John Dramani Mahama as Special Guest of Honour. Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, and Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, will also attend, with Dr. Charity Binka, President of AWLN-Ghana, chairing the occasion.
Beyond the awards, the evening promises a celebration of journalism, excellence, and service, featuring cultural performances, reflections on the future of media and peacebuilding, and fine dining. The GJA aims to honour those whose dedication has strengthened democracy, enhanced media professionalism, and contributed to national development.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The GJA’s initiative underscores the vital connection between a free press, robust media sector, and overall national progress. By celebrating these champions, the association reinforces the importance of upholding journalistic ethics and press freedom in Ghana.
The recognition of both individuals and institutions highlights a collaborative effort in advancing media standards and democratic values. The involvement of government officials and the diplomatic community signals a broad acknowledgment of the media’s role in society. Looking ahead, this event sets a precedent for continued dialogue and support for press freedom and media development, encouraging ongoing commitment from all stakeholders to foster an environment where journalism can thrive for the benefit of human rights, development, and security.
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