By Nadia Ntiamoah
Asempa FM’s afternoon current affairs talk show host, Philip Osei Bonsu, popularly known as O.B., has emerged as the biggest individual winner at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards after being crowned the GJA/P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year.
The award recognises his contribution to journalism and his work as host of Ekosiisen, one of Asempa FM’s prominent current affairs programmes, which has become a platform for national discussions on politics, governance and issues affecting ordinary Ghanaians.
His recognition at the prestigious ceremony on Saturday, November 7, 2026, was further strengthened by another achievement, as Ekosiisen was adjudged the Best Radio Programme in a Ghanaian Language.
The double recognition placed O.B. among the major personalities celebrated at this year’s awards, which brought together leading journalists, media executives, government officials, traditional authorities and other distinguished guests at the Palms Convention Centre of the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.
The ceremony was attended by President John Dramani Mahama as the special guest of honour, while the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, chaired the occasion. Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin was also among the dignitaries present.
Held under the theme, “30th GJA Media Awards: Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age,” the event celebrated outstanding journalistic work while drawing attention to the responsibilities and challenges confronting the media industry.
Double Honour For Asempa Fm’s Ekosiiisen Host
For Philip Osei Bonsu, the Journalist of the Year award represents a major professional recognition, particularly given the competitive nature of Ghana’s media industry and the growing influence of radio current affairs programming in shaping public discourse.
Through Ekosiisen, O.B. has established himself as a familiar voice in Ghanaian broadcasting, engaging political figures, public officials, analysts and other stakeholders on issues of national importance.
The programme’s recognition as the Best Radio Programme in a Ghanaian Language further highlights the continuing relevance of local-language broadcasting in making public affairs discussions accessible to a wider audience.
The two awards also underline the role of radio journalism in promoting public education, encouraging accountability and providing a platform for citizens to engage with national issues.
A Landmark Night For Ghanaian Journalism
The 30th GJA Media Awards brought together 36 journalists who received honours across various categories for their contributions to journalism and national development.
Beyond celebrating individual excellence, the ceremony also became an important platform for discussions about journalists’ welfare, attacks on media practitioners, press freedom, professional development and the growing threat of artificial intelligence-generated misinformation.
President Mahama announced a GH¢10 million allocation in the 2027 national budget as seed funding for the establishment of a Media Development Fund. He also pledged to engage corporate institutions, including KGL Group and the Bank of Ghana, to support the initiative.
The proposed fund is expected to support journalists’ welfare, investigative reporting, professional development, digital literacy and safety training.
Meanwhile, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour disclosed that the Association had recorded more than 50 incidents involving journalists who were attacked, arrested or threatened between 2022 and 2026.
He called for transparent investigations, prosecution of perpetrators where culpability is established and the creation of a dedicated police focal point to handle journalist safety complaints.
The ceremony also featured calls for improved newsroom conditions, responsible journalism, editorial independence and stronger professional standards in the digital era.
