FULL TEXT: 29th GJA Awards speech
Your Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II,
Your Excellency, the President of the Republic,
Honourable Speaker of Parliament, Acting Chief Justice, distinguished guests, fellow journalists, ladies and gentlemen:
It is a great honour to welcome you all to the 29th GJA Media Awards, our flagship event that celebrates excellence and professionalism in journalism.
This year’s celebration is very special because it is the first time the GJA Media Awards are being held outside Accra. And what better place to host it than right here at the Manhyia Palace, the proud home of Ghana’s rich culture and tradition. We are truly honoured, Your Majesty.
I am deeply humbled by the presence of distinguished personalities, the President, the Speaker of Parliament, and the Acting Chief Justice all gathered here to celebrate the work of journalists. This is truly historic, and we are very grateful for your support.
Your Majesty, thank you for your warm hospitality and continuous encouragement for national development through culture, peace, and leadership. We also appreciate His Excellency the President for his unwavering interest in the work of the GJA and the growth of free, responsible journalism in Ghana.
This event would not have been possible without the hard work of the National and Ashanti Regional Executives of the GJA and the Awards Planning Committee. We also owe special thanks to Mr. Alain Daguerre, Group CEO of the GJA Group of Companies, for his tremendous financial and logistical support.
Our gratitude also goes to our sponsors Ghana Gas, Tobinco Group, SLIT, Asante Green Initiative, Special Ice, NHIS, NCE, CopyGhana, RNK Holdings, ASCO, Turkish Airlines, GBC, Ministry of National Security, and others for their partnership in making this event successful.
The GJA Media Awards exist to reward journalists who demonstrate excellence, integrity, and commitment to national development. This year, 29 individual journalists and 7 media houses will receive awards for their outstanding work.
We are also happy to announce that the Turkish Embassy and Turkish Airlines will sponsor a trip to Turkey for the top three winners, the Journalist of the Year, the Most Promising Journalist, and the Student Journalist of the Year. We thank them for their generosity.
Our theme for this year “Self-Government and Guidance: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peace, Security, and the Fight Against Illegal Mining” reminds us of our responsibility as journalists to protect the nation’s peace, unity, and environment.
Ghana’s future depends on peace and stability. Without peace, there can be no progress. We commend the government and traditional leaders, especially Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, for their efforts in promoting peace and mediating conflicts across the country.
We also urge journalists to play an active role in the fight against illegal mining (galamsey), which is destroying our environment and threatening our future. Let us use our platforms to speak truth, hold power accountable, and protect our land and people.
Distinguished guests, Today we celebrate not just individual achievement, but the spirit of Ghanaian journalism one built on truth, courage, and service to the nation.
Let us continue to uphold ethical standards, defend press freedom, and contribute to building a peace and prosperous Ghana.
Long live the GJA.
Long live Ghanaian journalism.
Long live Ghana.
Thank you.
