By Emmanuel Gamson, GNA
Takoradi, July 15, GNA – The Western/Western North Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), has launched its 2026 Media and Corporate Impact Awards, to celebrate the indispensable role of journalism in promoting accountability, amplifying community voices, and driving sustainable development across the two regions.
The awards, launched under the theme: “Reporting Progress, Investing in People,” sought to honour journalists whose work had shaped public discourse, influenced policy, promoted transparency and documented the development journey of the Western and Western North regions.
The ceremony, which is scheduled for September 5, 2026, and sponsored by the Damang Gold Mine, would recognise corporate institutions whose investments and social interventions continued to transform communities and improve lives.
Mr Desmond Cudjoe, the Western Regional Chairman of the GJA, at the launch described journalism as the bridge between development and the people, stressing that progress only became meaningful when citizens were informed, empowered and able to hold duty-bearers accountable.
He noted that journalists remained at the forefront of every major national and community development through their reportage on education, healthcare, infrastructure, environmental protection, governance, business and social issues which were often under extremely difficult and hazardous conditions.
He said: “Journalists are among the first to arrive when disaster strikes, the first to tell the stories of vulnerable communities and the first to expose wrongdoing.
“Yet many continue to work under insecure conditions, with inadequate resources and remuneration that falls far below the value they create for society.”
Mr Cudjoe, therefore, called for greater investment in journalists through improved welfare, safety, training and professional development, noting that investing in journalists ultimately strengthened democracy, accountability, and national development.
He said the GJA believed the Media and Corporate Impact Awards would not only celebrate outstanding achievements, but also inspire higher standards of journalism, encourage responsible corporate citizenship and deepen partnerships that contributed to the continued socio-economic development of the Western and Western North regions.
Mr Cudjoe expressed appreciation to the Damang Gold Mine, the headline sponsor of the award for their steadfast commitment to promoting media excellence and recognising corporate contributions to community development.
“The Association values this partnership and looks forward to working together to celebrate excellence, inspire responsible journalism and honour organisations whose investments continue to make lasting impacts across the Western and Western North regions,” he added.
Nana Nteboa Pra IV, the Divisional Chief of Himan-Prestea, who chaired the occasion, urged stakeholders not to trivialise the challenges confronting journalists.
He stressed the need for decisive action to address issues affecting media practitioners, noting that attacks, intimidation and poor working conditions undermined, democracy, press freedom and weakened public confidence.
He also encouraged media owners to prioritise the welfare of their employees by investing in their professional growth and improving upon their working conditions.
Addressing the growing influence of digital media, Nana Nteboa Pra encouraged practitioners in the new media space to prioritise factual, balanced and responsible reporting over sensationalism.
He further urged journalists to continue championing the development narrative of the Western and Western North regions by highlighting opportunities, successes, and challenges across the various sectors of the economy.
The launch also featured solidarity messages from representatives of state institutions, traditional authorities, corporate organisations, civil society groups and development partners, who commended journalists for their commitment to informing the public despite numerous challenges.
As part of the launch, the GJA announced competitive award categories covering some of the most critical sectors of national and regional development, including Infrastructure, Fisheries, Cocoa and Agriculture, Oil, Gas and Energy, Environment, Education, Sports, Crime and Legal Affairs, Health, Gender and Social Inclusion, and Business and Labour Affairs.
The awards would be opened to original journalistic works produced by journalists within the Western and Western North regions between June 2025 and July 2026.
Beyond journalism, the Association introduced the Corporate Impact Awards, which would honour organisations demonstrating exceptional commitment to sustainable development through environmental stewardship, social investment programmes, partnerships for development, local governance support, employment creation and outstanding corporate social impact.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/ Christabel Addo
Reporter: Emmanuel Gamson
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