The United Kingdom has pledged unwavering support for media freedom in Ghana as the Ghana Journalists Association launched its 30th Media Award.
UK Deputy High Commissioner Chris Halliday, who assumed duty on August 18, 2026 after postings in Ottawa, Kabul, Nairobi and Amman, said the UK is proud to support media freedom through its role in the Media Freedom Coalition and partnerships in Ghana.
Speaking at Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City on October 7, 2026, he announced that together with Imperial College London, the British High Commission will next week launch the 4th edition of its MEET programme for 30 Ghanaian journalists on science, technology and innovation reporting.
“Just next week, together with Imperial College London, we will launch the 4th edition of our MEET programme, helping 30 Ghanaian journalists build the skills and networks needed to report with depth and accuracy on science, technology and innovation,” he said.
Chief of Staff Julius Debrah, Special Guest of Honour at the launch, declared that “Scrutiny is not disloyalty,” defending serious journalism as vital for national development.
The launch unveiled two new categories: the New Media Platform Awards to promote professionalism among bloggers and new-media practitioners, and the Governor’s Economic and Financial Story of the Year Award, supported by Bank of Ghana Governor Dr. Johnson Asiama, which already attracted over ten entries.
A nine-member Awards Committee chaired by Kobby Asmah, Commissioner of the National Media Commission and former Daily Graphic Editor, was inaugurated. It will vet entries from October 7 to October 28 and submit its report on October 29.
Members are A.C. Ohene of Adom FM/TV, Richard Mensah of Citi FM/TV, Ellen Avorgbedor formerly of GBC, Christian Akorli formerly of GNA, Nana Kwasi Appiah of ISD, Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo of Spectator, Kingsley Nsiah-Poku formerly of Atinka, and Awudu Mahama of The Custodian Newspaper.
By Robert Dela Mawuenyegah
