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25th GJA Awards: Ghanaian Times, The Spectator wins 5 awards, 3 honours
Four reporters of the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of Ghanaian Times and The Spectator won various awards at the 25thGhana Journalists Association (GJA) awards night held on Saturday, October 24, at the Kempinski hotel in Accra.
The ceremony held under the theme, ‘COVID-19 and credible presidential and parliamentary elections: The media factor’, also saw the Editor of the Ghanaian Times, David Agbenu, recognised in the non-competitive category of the awards scheme, as an Outstanding Editor.
On the night, Raissa Sambou was adjudged the 2019 Most Promising Journalist of the Year, in addition to winning the Child Protection and Participation in the print category.
Best Sports Journalist of the Year, print category, went to John Vigah, with Clement Akapule winning Development Journalism for furthering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Also, Alberto Mario Norreti won the Best Crime and Court Reporter at the event.
Additionally, Daniel Nii Doodoo Amoo and Seth Adu Agyei, received special recognition as photojournalists.
About 67 awards were given to journalists and media houses in the country, with Newsfile host on Joy News, Samson Lardi Ayenini winning the coveted Journalist of the Year Award.
Graphic Communications Group, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana News Agency, Media General, Multimedia Group, Despite Group, Atinka Media Village, Ominibus Media and other media houses across the country were among winners on the night.
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA),Mr Affail Monney, said the association believed the media had a crucial role to play in ensuring credible elections at all times and that the COVID-19 pandemic must not deter the media.
“We, however, need the support of other election actors such as the Electoral Commission (EC), political parties, security agencies and civil society organisations to help us achieve credible elections in December.”
The Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC),Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, said the media has an onerous task to inform voters about the various policies and campaign promises of the political parties ahead of the elections.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
President John Dramani Mahama has visited the Akosombo Dam to assess the impact of a fire incident at a substation operated by the Ghana Grid Company.
The fire is reported to have caused the loss of more than 1,000 megawatts from the national power grid, affecting electricity supply in parts of the country.
During the visit, he inspected ongoing restoration works and received briefings from engineers on efforts to restore power. He commended them for what he described as a swift and professional response to the situation.
According to him, the government remains committed to restoring stable electricity supply as quickly as possible.
He added that steps are also being taken to strengthen the resilience of Ghana’s energy infrastructure to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Ghana Grid Company has not yet provided a detailed timeline for full restoration, but work is ongoing to bring affected systems back on stream.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, says he and his deputy have publicly filed their annual tax returns to demonstrate leadership and encourage compliance among citizens.
In a facebook post, he explained that the move was meant to show that public officials must lead by example when it comes to fulfilling civic duties.
“Leadership must be demonstrated, not declared,” he said.
He commended Ghanaian taxpayers for their continued contribution to national development, noting that tax compliance plays a key role in sustaining government activities.
According to him, paying taxes is both a legal and moral responsibility. He stressed that all citizens, including public officials, professionals, and businesses, are equal before the law and must meet their tax obligations.
He added that tax revenue is essential for funding key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
The minister praised the Ghana Revenue Authority for its work, especially during the ongoing Tax and Good Governance Month in April. He said the initiative helps to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance.
He urged the authority to intensify public education and continue reforms aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing compliance costs, and improving transparency.
He further encouraged individuals and businesses that are yet to file their returns to do so promptly, adding that support systems and digital platforms are available to assist them.
He said building a strong tax culture would strengthen the country’s economy, improve accountability, and promote fairness in society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
