By Agbaxode Emmanuel, GNA
Ho (V/R), Nov. 1, GNA – The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has urged journalists in the Volta Region to intensify the coverage and promotion of tourism attractions in the region to stimulate investment, create jobs and accelerate local economic development.
The Association said the media had a critical role in showcasing the region’s natural attractions, cultural heritage and historical sites to attract national and international attention.
Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, GJA President, made the call in a statement read on his behalf by Ms Bertha Badu-Agyei, National Treasurer of GJA at the fourth Volta Regional GJA Media Awards held in Ho on Saturday.
He said journalists, particularly those operating at the regional and community levels, must take the lead in telling stories about lesser-known tourist attractions through compelling features, documentaries and sustained publicity.
Mr Dwumfour said responsible and strategic media reporting could help attract tourists and investors, stimulate local businesses, and generate revenue for sustainable development.
He noted that the Volta Region was endowed with enormous tourism potential, including beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, mountains, and rich cultural heritage, which offered significant opportunities for economic growth.
The GJA President commended journalists in the region for their contributions to development through reporting on local governance, education, health, agriculture, tourism and other critical sectors.
He also praised the Volta Regional GJA Executive for sustaining the regional awards scheme, saying the initiative recognised professional excellence, encouraged healthy competition and promoted ethical journalism.
The awards, held under the theme: “Unlocking the Tourism Potential of Ghana: Positioning Volta Region as the New Sustainable Frontier – The Role of the Media,” recognised outstanding journalistic work across various categories.
Mr Michael Foli Jackidy of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) was adjudged Journalist of the Year, while Daniel Agbesi Latsu, also of GNA, won the Agriculture Category.
Mr Jackidy additionally won the Disability and Tourism categories, while Edward Williams, another GNA journalist, emerged as winner in the Health Category.
Other winners included Fred Quame Asare of JoyNews, who won Community Reporting; Desmond Selase Aggor of ChannelOne TV, who won Education, Sports and Most Promising Journalist; and Ho FM, which took the Best Morning Show award.
Sabina Manorky Sowu of Ho Technical University won the Best Student Journalist category.
Mr Dwumfour congratulated the award recipients and encouraged journalists who did not win to remain committed to ethical and professional journalism.
He also called on journalists who were not yet members of the Association to register, emphasising that a stronger GJA would enhance collective advocacy, professional development and the protection of journalists’ interests.
GNA
Edited by Maxwell Awumah/Linda Asante Agyei