Rebecca Ekpe urges renewed commitment to journalist safety, editorial independence, gender inclusion and sustainable public-interest journalism.
The launch of the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra has renewed calls for stronger press freedom, improved journalist safety and higher professional standards in Ghana’s media landscape.
The event, which precedes the celebration of three decades of recognising journalistic excellence, provided an opportunity to reflect on the evolving responsibilities of the media and the challenges confronting journalists in an increasingly digital information environment.
Related Stories
Rebecca Ekpe, Vice President of the Ghana Journalists Association, said the significance of the Awards should extend beyond recognising outstanding journalistic work to encouraging reforms that strengthen the profession and deepen public trust in the media.
She noted that while celebrating excellence remained important, the media industry also needed to confront persistent concerns surrounding journalist safety, editorial independence, professional ethics, digital misinformation, gender representation and the financial sustainability of media organisations.
Protecting journalists and editorial independence
Ekpe stressed that protecting journalists who hold powerful individuals and institutions accountable must remain a priority for stakeholders committed to democratic governance.
She raised questions about the practical measures needed to safeguard media practitioners, strengthen public confidence in journalism and ensure that reporters can perform their duties without intimidation or undue interference.
She also underscored the importance of editorial independence, arguing that professional journalism must remain guided by accuracy, fairness, ethical responsibility and the public interest.
According to her, the credibility of the media depends not only on the quality of stories produced but also on the integrity of the processes through which information is gathered, verified and disseminated.
Digital transformation and professional standards
The growing influence of digital platforms and online content creators presents both opportunities and challenges for the media industry.
Ekpe highlighted the need to equip journalists and digital content creators with the skills required to navigate an evolving information ecosystem characterised by rapid news circulation, misinformation and increasing competition for public attention.
She emphasised the importance of continuous professional development, ethical reporting and responsible digital communication in maintaining public trust.
She further called for stronger media institutions capable of adapting to technological changes while upholding the principles of accountability and public-interest journalism.
Gender representation and inclusive journalism
The GJA Vice President also drew attention to the need for greater visibility and recognition of women in journalism, alongside voices from underserved communities.
She maintained that a strong media ecosystem must create opportunities for diverse perspectives to inform public debate and contribute to national development.
Gender inclusion, she suggested, should remain an important consideration in professional recognition, newsroom leadership, media representation and the development of future generations of journalists.
Building a sustainable media industry
Beyond professional recognition, Ekpe highlighted the importance of strengthening the institutions that sustain journalism.
She noted that the future of the profession depends on the ability of media organisations to support quality reporting, invest in professional development and create conditions that enable journalists to work effectively.
Sustainable media businesses, responsible corporate partnerships and continued investment in journalism training are essential to ensuring that the industry can fulfil its democratic responsibilities.
Beyond the awards ceremony
As the GJA prepares to celebrate the 30th edition of its Media Awards, Ekpe called for the milestone to serve as a renewed commitment to press freedom, professionalism and the protection of journalists.
She emphasised that journalism goes beyond reporting events, describing its wider responsibility as informing citizens, holding power accountable, amplifying unheard voices and strengthening democracy.
The 30th GJA Media Awards therefore presents an opportunity not only to honour journalists whose work has made a difference but also to reflect on the standards, institutions and protections required to sustain the profession.
For Ekpe, the message is clear: celebrating excellence must go hand in hand with defending press freedom and building a stronger, more inclusive and sustainable future for journalism in Ghana.
Dignitaries at the launch of the 30th GJA Awards.
