Accra, Ghana – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will host a special awards and honours ceremony on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Alisa Hotel in Accra. The event aims to recognize distinguished personalities and institutions for their significant contributions to press freedom, media development, and democratic governance in Ghana, coinciding with World Press Freedom Day celebrations.
Celebrating Contributions to Press Freedom
Among those to be honoured is JoyNews’ Newsfile host, Samson Lardy Anyenini, acknowledged for his role in advancing press freedom. He will be recognized alongside Ghanaian diplomat and media advocate Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Haruna Atta and the late Justice Kwame Afreh, a former Supreme Court Justice, who will receive a posthumous award.
These individuals are being celebrated for their remarkable efforts in promoting, protecting, and advancing press freedom within Ghana. The ceremony aligns with the global theme for World Press Freedom Day: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security.”
High-Profile Attendance Expected
The event is anticipated to draw approximately 300 guests, including government officials, parliamentarians, diplomats, and representatives from international organizations. President John Dramani Mahama is expected to be represented by the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam Nartey George, who will serve as the Special Guest of Honour.
Other notable attendees will include Minister for Government Communications Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, and Dr. Charity Binka, President of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Ghana Chapter, who will chair the proceedings.
Honouring Dedication and Valour
The GJA will present Dedication and Valour Awards to several veteran journalists and media practitioners. Honorees include Sir Benedict Batabe Assorow, former Editor of The Catholic Standard; Gina Blay, former Ghana Ambassador to Germany and veteran journalist; renowned sports broadcaster Kwabena Yeboah; and former Graphic Communications Group Managing Director Kofi Badu.
Further recognitions in this category will be given to media practitioner and academic Dr. Gamel Nasser Adam, and renowned linguist and scholar Kofi Agyekum. The Association will also posthumously honour Abubakari Sidick Ahmed of Radio Universe and Nana Kwame Korang for their dedicated service to journalism.
Recognizing Media Leadership and Institutional Support
Several leaders in the media landscape will be recognized for their impact on media development, governance, and capacity building. These include Amin Alhassan, Prof. Omane Antwi, former Information Minister Kofi Totobi Quakyi, Media General Group CEO Beatrice Agyeman, Multimedia Group Chief Operating Officer Ken Ansah, and Despite Media Managing Director Fada Dickson Narh.
Institutions that have significantly contributed to media development and national progress will also receive awards. Graphic Communications Group Limited, Bank of Ghana, and Ghana News Agency are among the organizations slated for recognition, alongside other strategic partners.
International Partnership Acknowledged
The Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, Hüseyin Güngör, will be presented with a Special Recognition Award for his support and partnership with Ghana’s media fraternity and the GJA. This highlights the international dimension of media development and collaboration.
Broader Impact of the Awards
According to the GJA, the awards ceremony serves to celebrate individuals and organizations that have strengthened media professionalism, democratic governance, and press freedom. It underscores the critical role of journalism in fostering peace, accountability, and national development.
The event aims to inspire continued commitment to ethical journalism and media advancement, reinforcing the principles championed by World Press Freedom Day. The recognition of diverse contributors signals a holistic approach to strengthening Ghana’s media ecosystem.
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