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29th GJA Media Awards to be held in Kumasi
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The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) would host its flagship awards in Kumasi for the first time, with the 29th edition set for November 8 at the Manhyia Palace, under the patronage of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.
The event will celebrate excellence in journalism and recognise media professionals and institutions that have demonstrated integrity, innovation, and commitment to the highest standards of the profession.
Launching the Awards in Accra on Thursday, the GJA President, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, explained that the decision to host the awards in Kumasi was a symbolic gesture of inclusivity, reflecting the Association’s commitment to recognise contributions from all regions of the country.
This year’s edition would be held under the theme, “Safeguarding Ghana’s Future: The Role of the Media in Promoting Peace, Security and the Fight Against Galamsey.”
At the launch, two committees — Awards and Planning Committees — were inaugurated.
The nine-member Awards Committee, chaired by Mr Gabriel Bosompem, former Commissioner of the National Media Commission and former Production Manager at TV3 (Media General), is responsible for vetting of entries.
Other members of the committee include Alhaji Salifu Abdul-Rahman, Editor of the Ghanaian Times; Mr Kingsley Obeng-Kyere, P.A.V. Ansah, Ms Nana Yaa Konadu, and Ms Theresa Owusu-Ako.
The rest are Madam Agnes Boye-Doe, Mr David Andoh, Mr Samuel Bio and Mr Jeorge Wilson Kingston.
The Planning Committee is co-chaired by Mr Dwumfour and Mr Prince Oheneba Nana Kwaku Duah, and includes Mr Dominic Hlordzi, Mr Emmanuel Safo, Deputy Head of Protocol at the Manhyia Palace; and Mr Kwame Adinkra.
Others are Mr Kojo Soboh, Mr Nathaniel Attoh of Joy News; Ms Rebecca Ekpe, Vice President of the GJA; and former National Treasurer, Mrs Audrey Francesca Dekalu.
Mr Dwumfour assured that accommodation and transportation would be fully provided for more than 500 journalists to travel to Kumasi for the awards to ensure full participation.
The event will commence with a welcome reception at the Lancaster Hotel on Friday, November 7, followed by a health walk on the morning of Saturday and climax it with the awards ceremony at 4pm at the Manhyia Palace.
The Minister of State in charge of Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, in his address, commended the GJA for sustaining the awards for over nearly three decades.
He urged journalists to embrace innovation and adapt to new technologies such as Artificial Intelligence.
He reaffirmed government’s commitment to press freedom, noting that President John Dramani Mahama remains a strong advocate of free speech.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
The Accra Regional Police Command has arrested former professional boxer Michael Ayitey Okai, popularly known as “Ayitey Powers,” over an alleged threat of death against the Director-General of the National Sports Authority, Yaw Ampofo.
According to the Police, the 46-year-old former boxer was arrested on Monday, August 24, 2026, in connection with the alleged threat.
The Police said the arrest followed a video circulating on social media in which Ayitey Powers is alleged to have issued the threat against Mr Ampofo.
He is currently in Police custody and is assisting with investigations.
The Accra Regional Police Command said investigations are ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged threat and determine the appropriate action to be taken in accordance with the law.
The Command has urged the public to refrain from sharing unverified information about the matter while the investigation continues.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Minority Leader in Parliament Alexander Afenyo Markin has sued the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi, and Multimedia Group Limited over alleged defamatory comments made against him on the Newsfile programme.
In a writ filed at the High Court in Accra, Mr Afenyo Markin is seeking GH¢15 million in damages, an apology and retraction of the statements, among other reliefs.
The suit follows comments allegedly made by Mr Gyamfi during the Saturday, August 22, 2026 edition of Newsfile, hosted by Samson Lardy Anyenini.
According to the statement of claim, Mr Gyamfi described Mr Afenyo Markin as an “extortionist” while responding to a question about GoldBod’s reported profits and its position on losses arising from its operations.
The plaintiff claims that Mr Gyamfi repeated the allegation when the host sought clarification on whether he stood by the description.
Mr Afenyo Markin further claims that Mr Gyamfi challenged him to sue him and insisted that the allegation was true.
The plaintiff argues that the statements created the impression that he engages in extortion, uses his political influence to put improper pressure on public institutions and officials, and conducts himself in a manner inconsistent with the standards expected of a lawyer and public office holder.
He denies the allegations and maintains that he is not an extortionist and has never engaged in the conduct alleged by Mr Gyamfi.
The Minority Leader also argues that the comments were made maliciously and were presented as facts without evidence being disclosed.
He claims the statements have damaged his reputation, professional standing and public image, particularly because of his position as a senior political figure and legal practitioner.
The suit also names Multimedia Group Limited as a defendant because, according to the plaintiff, the alleged defamatory comments were broadcast through JoyNews and subsequently circulated on social media platforms, including X, Facebook and YouTube.
Mr Afenyo Markin claims Multimedia failed to stop the comments or deactivate Mr Gyamfi’s microphone after the allegations were made.
He is therefore asking the court to award him general, aggravated and exemplary damages, as well as GH¢15 million in compensation and legal costs.
He is also seeking an order compelling the defendants to issue a full, unconditional and unequivocal retraction and public apology.
The plaintiff wants the apology and retraction to be given similar prominence and reach as the original publication, including through JoyNews and the social media platforms where the comments were disseminated.
He is further seeking a permanent injunction preventing the defendants from repeating the alleged defamatory statements or words with a similar meaning.
The writ requires the defendants to enter an appearance within eight days after being served.
It warns that failure to do so could result in judgment being entered in their absence.
The case was filed by lawyer Paa Kwesi Abaidoo of Dehyena Chambers on behalf of Mr Afenyo Markin.
By: Jacob Aggrey
