The Western Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has officially launched the 2026 Western and Western North Journalism Excellence Awards and Corporate Awards with a strong call on government, media owners and corporate Ghana to invest in journalists and safeguard press freedom.
The awards, launched under the theme, “Reporting Progress. Investing in People,” seek to recognise outstanding journalism while honouring corporate institutions making significant contributions to community development in the two regions.
Speaking at the launch, the Western Regional Chairman of the GJA, Desmond Cudjoe, described the event as more than an awards ceremony, saying it was a celebration of a profession which influence touches every aspect of national development.
He noted that journalism remains the “first draft of history” and serves as the bridge between development and the people. According to him, journalists are often the first to report the construction of schools and hospitals, expose corruption, amplify the voices of neglected communities and provide citizens with credible information needed to make informed decisions.
“Development without communication is incomplete. Journalism gives meaning to development because it connects progress to the people,” Mr. Cudjoe stated.
He praised journalists in the Western and Western North Regions for consistently producing impactful stories that have shaped public policy, promoted investment, protected the environment and strengthened accountability.
However, he painted a grim picture of the conditions under which many journalists work, saying several media practitioners travel long distances, report from dangerous locations and finance their own transportation, internet data and equipment, often without adequate remuneration.
“Many journalists continue to work under insecure conditions and for salaries that do not reflect the enormous value they create for society. Yet every day they pick up their notebooks, cameras and microphones and continue serving the public,” he observed.
Mr. Cudjoe called on government, corporate organisations and media owners to invest in journalists’ welfare, safety and professional development. He also urged journalists to remain committed to the principles of accuracy, fairness and ethical reporting despite the challenges confronting the profession.
The GJA Chairman explained that this year’s awards would not only honour excellence in journalism, but also recognise companies whose corporate social responsibility initiatives have positively impacted communities.
He announced Damang Mine Company Limited as the headline sponsor for this year’s awards and appealed to long-time partners to continue supporting the association’s activities.
Chairman for the occasion, Nana Nteboa Pra V, Divisional Chief of Prestea Himan and a former journalist, described journalism as indispensable to national development, likening it to salt in soup.
“In every aspect of our lives—economic, social and political—journalism provides the substance. Without it, society loses direction,” he said.
The traditional ruler expressed concern over the increasing attacks on journalists across the country, warning that violence against media practitioners threatens Ghana’s democratic credentials.
He referenced recent assaults on journalists, including an attack on a driver of the Graphic Communications Group, and appealed to the authorities to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.
“We should not brush issues affecting journalists under the carpet. These attacks make people afraid to discharge their duties and weaken our democracy,” he stressed.
Nana Nteboa Pra V also challenged media owners to invest more in capacity building, arguing that strengthening the skills of journalists ultimately strengthens media organisations.
He proposed that winners of the regional journalism awards should be sponsored to pursue further studies in journalism or related disciplines.
“When you invest in the human resource at your workplace, you are investing in the growth of your company. Winning an award should not be the end; it should become an opportunity to upgrade one’s skills,” he suggested.
Touching on the rise of misinformation on social media, the chief warned that many individuals now present themselves as journalists without adhering to basic professional standards such as fact-checking and verification.
He cautioned that the spread of unverified information on platforms such as TikTok has the potential to create unnecessary tension and division within society.
Nana Nteboa Pra V further urged journalists in the Western and Western North Regions to take ownership of stories unique to the area, particularly those relating to mining, oil and gas, environmental issues and coastal development.
“You cannot allow someone from another region to tell your story better than you. Those who live here understand these sectors and must become the leading voices in reporting them,” he advised.
The launch brought together traditional authorities, journalists, corporate executives, government officials and other stakeholders who reaffirmed their commitment to promoting excellence in journalism while recognising institutions contributing meaningfully to national and community development.
