The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has received 327 entries from 206 journalists for the 30th edition of the GJA Media Awards, recording one of the highest levels of participation in recent years.
Entries came from various media platforms, with 125 from online media, 111 from television, 46 from print, and 45 from radio.
GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour announced this at the launch of the 30th GJA Media Awards in Accra, describing the strong response as evidence of Ghanaian journalists’ continued commitment to professional excellence.
He said the submissions also affirmed the relevance and credibility of the GJA Media Awards as a leading platform for recognising outstanding journalism in Ghana.
The 30th edition has introduced two new categories — the New Media Platform Awards and the Governor’s Economic and Financial Story of the Year Award.
According to Mr. Dwumfour, the New Media Platform Awards are intended to promote professionalism, ethical conduct and excellence among bloggers and new-media practitioners.
He said the rapid transformation of the media environment made it necessary to encourage emerging platforms to uphold the same standards expected of traditional media.
“As the media landscape continues to evolve, it is important that emerging platforms and practitioners are encouraged to uphold the same standards of accuracy, fairness and responsibility expected of traditional media,” he said.
The Governor’s Economic and Financial Story of the Year Award, another new category, has already attracted more than 10 entries.
Mr. Dwumfour said the response demonstrated the growing interest among journalists in economic and financial reporting and the importance of journalism that helps citizens understand policies and developments affecting the Ghanaian economy.
The category is being supported by the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr. Johnson Asiama.
The GJA President appealed to corporate institutions and organisations to support the awards by sponsoring categories that promote excellence in specialised areas of journalism, including energy, sports, environment, health, education, business and technology.
He said such support would help strengthen journalism while ensuring that important national issues receive quality and specialised coverage.
The GJA Awards Committee, chaired by Mr. Kobby Asmah, Commissioner of the National Media Commission and former Editor of the Daily Graphic, will now undertake an independent assessment of the submitted works.
The committee will submit its report and recommendations to the National Executive of the GJA for consideration and approval.
The 30th GJA Media Awards ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Accra.
President John Dramani Mahama, who is also a member of the Ghana Journalists Association, will be the Special Guest of Honour.
The Patron of the GJA, His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will also attend, while the Ga Mantse, His Royal Majesty King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, will be the Guest of Honour.
Mr. Dwumfour said the awards were not merely about trophies but about recognising journalism that serves the public interest.
He said the awards celebrate journalists whose work informs public debate, exposes wrongdoing, amplifies the voices of vulnerable people and contributes to national development.
By Celestine Edem Gbologah//Newswatchgh.com
