By Ernest Nutsugah/Stephen Asante, GNA
Accra, Nov. 8, GNA – Three journalists of the Ghana News Agency (GNA) have won top honours at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards for their outstanding contributions to journalism in various categories.
Mr Gilbert Azeem Tiroog, Reporter, won the Best Online Features category, Mr James Amoh Junior, Editor, emerged winner in the Arts and Entertainment category, while Mr Albert Futukpor, Editor, received the Akoto Ampaw Award for Democracy and Good Governance.
They were among 36 journalists recognised at the awards ceremony held at the Palms Convention Centre of the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra Saturday evening.
The GNA secured five nominations in the awards, which assessed journalistic works published in 2025.
Two other Agency journalists, Mr Anthony Adongo Apubeo and Mr Edward Williams, also put up strong contests in their respective categories.
The latest achievements further reinforce the Agency’s record of journalistic excellence, adding to the growing list of its reporters, editors and senior editors who have earned recognition at both local and international levels.
Mr Amoh Junior was recognised for his story on President John Dramani Mahama’s inauguration outfit in January 2025, which sparked conversations about fashion, symbolism and cultural expression.
Having won the Photojournalist of the Year award at the 29th GJA Media Awards, the versatile correspondent said the latest recognition would inspire him to raise his professional standards.
“I did quite well, I think. This comes as a feather in my cap and it shows that hard work indeed pays. I am going to work even harder in the ensuing year,” he said.
Mr Futukpor’s award-winning story challenged the use of public funds to settle fines imposed on state institutions for failing to honour requests under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, arguing that the responsible Information Officers should bear the liability.
He described the award as a great encouragement to continue promoting democracy and good governance.
“Good governance and democracy are very important for our forward movement. Winning this award means I have a full grasp of the situation in Ghana and have contributed to the progress of our nation,” he said.
“We will continue to do more to deliver the democracy and good governance we expect from our leaders.”
Mr Tiroog’s award-winning feature, titled: “Dreams Buried by Bullets: How Bawku’s Children Are Paying the Price for Recurring Conflict,” won the Best Online Features category.
The story examined the plight of children caught in the recurring conflict in Bawku and highlighted the devastating impact of violence on their lives and future.
In an interview, he expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as both an honour and a renewed responsibility to produce impactful journalism.
“I am extremely grateful for this honour. While this recognition celebrates my work as a journalist, I see it, more importantly, as a responsibility and a renewed call to do more impactful stories,” Mr Tiroog said.
He noted that journalism went beyond awards and recognition, stressing the importance of using storytelling to amplify the voices of vulnerable groups, expose societal challenges and draw attention to issues affecting people’s lives.
The 30th GJA Media Awards, held on the theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age,” celebrated the media’s contribution to Ghana’s democratic governance, national cohesion and socio-economic development.
The event also highlighted the need for responsible journalism, media freedom and professionalism in an increasingly digital media environment.
Mr Philip Osei Bonsu, host of Ekosiisen on Asempa FM of the Multimedia Group, was adjudged the GJA/P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year.
He was recognised for his influence on radio and contribution to national discourse, public policy conversations and social change through the flagship programme, which provides a platform for national discussions and high-profile interviews.
Ekosiisen was also named Best Ghanaian Language Radio Programme for the year under review.
The milestone ceremony had President John Dramani Mahama as the Special Guest of Honour and keynote speaker, while King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Ga Mantse, chaired the Programme.
The event also honoured distinguished national personalities whose leadership and service had contributed to the country’s democratic governance, public service, security, traditional leadership, entrepreneurship and socio-economic development.
Among the dignitaries present were the Right Honourable Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, Speaker of Parliament; His Lordship Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, Chief Justice of Ghana; and Dr Johnson Asiama, Governor of the Bank of Ghana.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe
Writer’s email: [email protected]