The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has announced that it will organize an evening program to celebrate deserving personalities and institutions to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) on Friday, May 2, 2025
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GJA to honour champions of Press Freedom on WPFD
Accra, May 1, GNA – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will honour 24 individuals and institutions who have championed press freedom and supported the cause of the Association.
This forms part of activities to mark this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), with President John Dramani Mahama as the Special Guest of Honour.
The event is scheduled for 1800 hours on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, Accra.
“The award ceremony is a departure from the traditional daytime flag-raising ceremony at the International Press Centre,” a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency said on Thursday.
“It is an innovation designed to use the occasion of WPFD to recognise and honour the recipients, with President John Dramani Mahama as the Special Guest of Honour.”
The ceremony will also be attended by Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, members of the Diplomatic Corps, media practitioners and partners.
Mr Kofi Yeboah, the General Secretary, GJA, said the first category of honourees consisted of individuals who had made significant contributions to the promotion of press freedom in Ghana over the years.
They include Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, Mrs Gifty Affenyi Dadzie, Esq, and Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, all former Presidents of the GJA.
Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby, Chief Policy Analyst at the Ghana Institute of Public Policy Options (GIPPO); Prof Kwame Karikari, media and communications expert; Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Managing Editor of The Insight; Ms Elizabeth Ohene, former Editor of the Daily Graphic; and Mr Ben Ephson Jnr, Managing Editor of the Daily Dispatch will also be honoured.
The second category recognises individuals who have contributed significantly to media development in Ghana.
They are Sir Sam Jonah, international business executive; Mr Bright Blewu, former GJA General Secretary; Mr Kwasi Afriyie Badu, legal practitioner; Mr Cameron Duodu, veteran journalist; Chief Dr Crystal Djirakor, founder of Crystal TV; and Wilna and Alex Quarmyne, founders of Ada Radio.
Institutions to be honoured are the Embassy of the United States of America, Unilever Ghana Limited, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Electoral Commission, Innolink Ghana Limited, and the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung.
The GJA will also recognise renowned highlife musician Abrantie Amakye Dede for his support to the Association.
For their dedicated support to the current GJA administration, even at critical moments, the Association will honour Mr Alex Dadey, Group Chairman of the KGL Group of Companies; Dr Paul Kofi Fynn, Chancellor of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana; and adb Bank.
The GJA National Executive expressed appreciation to the KGL Group, Social Security and National Insurance Trust, National Communications Authority, Precious Minerals Marketing Company, National Petroleum Authority, and the National Security for supporting the event.
The global theme for the WPFD 2025 is: “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
The national theme is: “Celebrating Champions of Press Freedom and Ghana’s Media Growth; Building a Resilient Media in the AI Era.”
