Dr. Charity Binka, Chairperson of the 2nd GJA World Press Freedom Day Honours Night, opened the evening with a call to safeguard the very foundation of democracy: a free, responsible, and protected media.
Dr. Charity Binka, AWLN Ghana Chapter- Chairperson with Rebecca Ekpe, GJA VP.Welcoming the Special Guest of Honour, represented by Hon. Sam Nartey George, alongside Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin, members of the Diplomatic Corps, development partners, media practitioners and distinguished guests, Dr. Binka commended the Ghana Journalists Association for instituting the WPFD Honours Night. She said the event exists to celebrate individuals and institutions whose work has strengthened press freedom, media development, and democratic governance.
On the night’s theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security,” Dr. Binka stressed that peace, development and security thrive when citizens have access to credible and independent information. She noted that press freedom remains a cornerstone of democracy, accountability and good governance, and that a free and responsible media promotes human rights, development, peace and security. Journalists, she said, continue to play a vital role in informing citizens and safeguarding democratic values.
Dr. Charity Binka.Dr. Binka urged stronger support for media freedom and journalist safety. She congratulated all award recipients for their dedication, courage, professionalism and service to Ghana, and paid special tribute to posthumous award recipients whose legacies continue to inspire the profession. She also acknowledged institutions and partners supporting journalism and national development.
Her call to action was direct: stakeholders must continue investing in media capacity building and press freedom. Journalists must uphold professionalism, ethics and integrity. And government, media, civil society and development partners must work together.
Closing the remarks, Dr. Binka thanked the GJA leadership and organising committee, sponsors and partners for their support, and congratulated all honourees once again. She wished guests an enjoyable and memorable evening, ending with: “Tonight, we celebrate not only excellence in journalism, but also the enduring values of truth, accountability and service to humanity.
