The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is set to honour 24 distinguished individuals and institutions for their significant contributions to promoting press freedom and the development of the media in Ghana.
The event, scheduled for Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, will be a special evening ceremony to recognize and celebrate the recipients.
This year’s commemoration of World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) marks a departure from the traditional daytime flag-raising ceremony at the Forecourt of the Ghana International Press Centre.
The evening event will bring together prominent figures, including President John Dramani Mahama as the Special Guest of Honour, Ministers of State, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, media partners, and media practitioners.
The recipients of the awards fall into two categories.
The first category consists of individuals who have made significant contributions to promoting press freedom in Ghana.
They include Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, Gifty Affenyi Dadzie, and Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, all former GJA presidents.
Also to be honoured are Prof. Kwame Karikari, media and communications expert; Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Managing Editor, The Insight; Elizabeth Ohene, former Editor of the Daily Graphic; and Ben Ephson Jnr, Managing Editor, Daily Despatch.
The second category comprises individuals and institutions that have contributed to the development of the media in Ghana.
They include Sir Sam Jonah, international business expert; Bright Blewu, former GJA General Secretary; Kwasi Afriyie Badu, lawyer; Cameron Duodu, renowned journalist; Chief Dr. Crystal Djirakor, founder of Crystal TV; and Wilna and Alex Quarmyne, founders of Ada Radio.
Institutional Support
The Embassy of the United States of America in Accra, Unilever Ghana Limited, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Electoral Commission, Innolink Ghana Limited, Friedrich Ebert Foundation, and Abrantie Amakye Dede, renowned highlife musician, will also be honored for their dedicated support to the GJA.
Additionally, Alex Dadey, Group Chairman of KGL Group of Companies; Dr. Paul Kofi Fynn, Chancellor of Wisconsin International University College, Ghana; and Adb Bank, will be recognized for their support to the current administration.
Theme
The national theme for the commemoration of WPFD 2025 is “Celebrating champions of press freedom and Ghana’s media growth; building a resilient media in the AI era.”
The global theme for the occasion is “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.”
Acknowledgment
The GJA National Executive expresses gratitude to KGL Group of Companies, Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), National Communication Authority (NCA), Precious Minerals Marketing Company (PMMC), National Petroleum Authority (NPA), and National Security for their support in making the event a success.
All members of the GJA and media partners are cordially invited to attend this memorable occasion.
