BONO GJA AWARDS 2024: CELEBRATING JOURNALISM AS A TOOL FOR PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT

 

The Bono and Ahafo Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has celebrated the region’s finest journalists at its third awards ceremony in Sunyani, where Daily Graphic correspondent Biiya Mukusah Ali emerged as the Overall Best Journalist of the Year 2024.

The event, held under the theme “The Role of the Media as a Tool for Peace Building and Development in the Bono and Ahafo Regions,” brought together government officials, traditional leaders, members of the clergy, corporate partners, and the media fraternity. It was an evening that not only honored excellence but also reflected deeply on the responsibility of journalism in nurturing peace and development.

In her keynote address, Mrs. Regina Benneh Siaw, Regional Chairperson of the Bono and Ahafo GJA, underscored the media’s crucial role as both a watchdog and an agent of social cohesion. She anoted that journalists in the region often face intimidation, harassment, and the growing challenge of misinformation, but stressed that the profession must continue to be guided by accuracy, fairness, and integrity. “Our role extends beyond reporting. We are architects of public discourse and guardians of democracy. By promoting accurate and balanced reportage, we can de-escalate conflicts, build bridges, and foster development,” she said.

The awards ceremony recognized journalists who had distinguished themselves in different beats, ranging from politics, health, education, and telecommunications, to crime and agroecology. Among the honorees were Lawrence Yeboah Gyan of Suncity Radio, who won Best Feature Reporter, Samuel Mensah of Peace FM, who was named Best Crime Reporter, and Jasmine Akwaboah of Moonlight FM, who picked up the award for Best Female Journalist. Michael Sarpong Mfum of Channel One TV also won accolades in both the education and telecommunications categories, while Emmanuel Kwadwo Gyan of Sky FM and Osei Laar of Suncity Radio were recognized for their feature reporting and news anchoring respectively.

Representing the GJA National President, Vice President Madam Rebecca Ekpe reaffirmed the association’s commitment to journalists’ welfare. She disclosed that the GJA leadership had recently met with the President of Ghana, who assured full support in ending attacks on journalists and pledged to ensure compensation for victims and their families. “Government has our back. Journalists are not just recorders of events but partners in development. That comes with a responsibility to practice responsible journalism devoid of fake news,” she said.

The Guest of Honor, Bishop Dr. Richard Owusu Akyeaw, founder of Living Grace Ministries, highlighted the fragile nature of peace in the Bono and Ahafo regions, where chieftaincy disputes remain a recurring source of tension. He reminded journalists that their pen and recorder could either preserve peace or inflame conflict, urging them to see themselves as agents of positive change.

The highlight of the evening came when Biiya Mukusah Ali, who had earlier been named Best Newspaper Reporter, Best Political Reporter, and Best Agroecology Reporter, was crowned the Overall Best Journalist. In a humble acceptance speech, he dedicated the award not only to his editors and sources but also to all who believe in the power of journalism to drive national development. “Though this award bears my name, it is for all who believe in journalism and trust that through it lies the true development of our nation,” he said.

Appreciation was extended to the Awards Committee, led by Dr. L. V. Amengor, and to corporate sponsors including MTN Ghana, Newmont Ghana, Bui Power Authority, Nsoatreman Rural Bank, and ActionAid Ghana, whose support made the event possible.

The ceremony closed on a lively note with a get-together, where participants dined, drank, and danced, cementing not only a night of recognition but also of camaraderie and celebration within the journalism fraternity.

Adam Siaka 
Broadcast Journalist
Wisdom FM