News
President Akufo-Addo salutes Ghanaian journalists at 28th GJA Awards
- /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 27
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WhatsApp-Image-2024-09-30-at-12.29.11-PM.jpeg&description=President Akufo-Addo salutes Ghanaian journalists at 28th GJA Awards', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
- Share
- Tweet /home/u249204778/domains/spectator.com.gh/public_html/wp-content/plugins/mvp-social-buttons/mvp-social-buttons.php on line 72
https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/WhatsApp-Image-2024-09-30-at-12.29.11-PM.jpeg&description=President Akufo-Addo salutes Ghanaian journalists at 28th GJA Awards', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has lauded the critical role of Ghanaian journalists in the country’s democratic journey, during his speech at the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, held on Saturday, 28th September 2024.
This event marked 75 years of excellence in Ghanaian journalism, under the theme “75 Years of Excellence in Journalism: The Role of the Media in Democratic Governance and Elections.”
Delivering the keynote address, President Akufo-Addo expressed his gratitude for the media’s unwavering commitment to truth, transparency, and accountability. He highlighted how journalism in Ghana has not only borne witness to historical moments but actively shaped the nation’s progress, particularly in its fight for independence.
He recounted how early journalists fueled the fires of freedom and encouraged national unity through their fearless reporting during colonial times.
“Long before the celebrations of 6th March 1957, journalists were already playing a crucial role, using their pens and their voices to fuel the fires of freedom,” the President remarked.
He referenced notable figures such as Dr. J.B. Danquah and Osagyefo Dr.Kwame Nkrumah, who, in addition to their political activism, were journalists. He said, their work laid the foundation for Ghana’s independence movement, inspiring a spirit of resistance against colonial rule that could not be silenced.
The President also touched on the media’s indispensable role in Ghana’s democratic governance, emphasizing how the press has been instrumental in shaping the nation’s democratic culture.
According to the President, the media was crucial during the restoration of democracy in 1992, educating the public on their rights, informing them about political processes, and ensuring transparency in governance.
“The story of Ghana’s democracy is incomplete without the contribution of the media. You have been there in moments of triumph and trial, standing as pillars of truth and integrity,” the President stated.
He credited the Ghanaian media for their diligent work in monitoring electoral processes, reporting on irregularities, and ensuring peaceful transitions of power.
In the modern context, President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the new challenges journalists face, such as disinformation, misinformation, and the rising influence of social media.
He called on journalists to be vigilant in their role as gatekeepers of truth, particularly as the country prepares for the 2024 elections.
“The responsibility of the media during elections cannot be overstated. You have been at the forefront, monitoring the polls and ensuring that the voices of the electorate are heard,” he said, urging the media to continue to act with integrity and uphold professional standards.
As the event also marked President Akufo-Addo’s last attendance at the GJA Awards as President of the Republic, he shared a personal reflection on his journey alongside the media throughout his career. He recounted his legal battles to protect press freedoms, such as the historic court case against the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) to ensure fair access to state media, and his work as Attorney General in repealing the Criminal Libel Law in 2001.
He concluded his speech by expressing his deep commitment to ensuring media freedom in Ghana, describing it as a cornerstone of democracy. As he prepares to retire from active political life, President Akufo-Addo extended an invitation to journalists to visit him in Kyebi, where he looks forward to continuing his engagement with the media and reflecting on the country’s democratic progress.
In his final remarks, President Akufo-Addo reminded journalists of the importance of their work: “The media has always been, and will continue to be, a cornerstone of our democratic journey. Your work is essential to the strength of our democracy, the integrity of our elections, and the progress of our nation.”
The awards ceremony, which brought together the finest journalists in the country, was a fitting tribute to 75 years of Ghanaian journalism and its vital role in shaping the nation’s democratic governance.
The 29th Annual Dagaaba-Frafra Friendly Games have once again demonstrated that sports can be a powerful vehicle for cultural preservation, business networking, friendship and peaceful coexistence.
Held at the El-Wak Sports Stadium in Accra last Saturday, the games brought together members of the two ethnic groups from across Ghana and abroad for a colourful celebration under the theme, “Unity in Diversity: The Dagaaba-Frafra Model for Peaceful Co-existence.”
The event, which has evolved from a friendly football match into a major annual gathering, featured football, volleyball, sack races, lime and spoon, tug-of-peace and a penalty shootout for senior citizens.
At the end of the competitions, the Frafra won four events, while the Dagaaba secured victories in five, with the men’s soccer match ending in a draw.
The Frafra triumphed in the men’s lime and spoon, men’s sack race, women’s sack race and women’s soccer, while the Dagaaba won the women’s lime and spoon, men’s volleyball, women’s volleyball, women’s tug-of-peace and the senior citizens’ penalty shootout.
However, the games extended far beyond the sporting arena. The stadium grounds and surrounding spaces became a vibrant marketplace, with patrons enjoying and purchasing a variety of traditional foods, drinks and cultural products.
Local delicacies, including TZ, tubaani, bambara beans, pork, guinea fowl, local fowls, dog meat and kosie, were sold alongside traditional alcoholic beverages. Traditional dresses and other culturally inspired items also attracted buyers, turning the gathering into an important platform for small businesses and vendors to make sales while promoting northern Ghanaian culture.
The cultural exchange continued long after the final sporting contests, as patrons remained at the venue to eat, drink, socialise, dance and party well into the night.
In her remarks, the Guest of Honour, Dr Matilda Aberese-Ako, said the gathering represented much more than competition, describing the Dagaaba-Frafra relationship as a historic bond that had evolved into a modern sporting tradition and an instrument for peace.
MTN Ghana has been the headline sponsor for the games for the past 10 years.
By Gordon Wellu
By Gordon Wellu
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
MTN Ghana has undertaken a tree-planting exercise at the Chipa Forest Reserve as part of its commitment to protecting the planet and support the restoration of degraded sections of the forest.
The activity forms part of the company’s 2026 Sustainability Month celebration held under the theme “Small Actions: Big Impact,” and its 30th anniversary celebration.
It was held in partnership with the Forestry Commission (FC) and the Rainforest Alliance with MTN Ghana supporting the restoration of approximately two hectares of degraded forest through the planting of 1,666 trees.
Due to the current dry weather conditions, 833 trees were planted during the exercise, with the remaining 833 to be planted when the rain commences.
The exercise brought together MTN employee volunteers, officials from the Forestry Commission and representatives of the Rainforest Alliance, demonstrating the importance of collaboration in driving environmental sustainability.
Speaking at the event, the Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, emphasized the critical role trees play in sustaining life and protecting the environment.
“Trees are essential to human survival and healthy ecosystems. They absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperatures, protect soil, support biodiversity and provide habitats for many species. They also conserve water, reduce erosion and help communities adapt to the effects of climate change,” she said.
The District Manager of the Tema-Ada Forest Services Division of the Forestry Commission, Linda Ansah, welcomed MTN Ghana’s support, describing it as a valuable contribution to efforts aimed at restoring degraded sections of the reserve.
The Country Director of the Rainforest Alliance, Nicholas Jengri, also welcomed the partnership and emphasised the importance of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
SKIP THE QUEUE, TAP THE NEWS
You can now read the Ghanaian Times and The Spectator newspapers from the comfort of your device via TimesNewsPlus.
Join our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbBElzjInlqHhl1aTU27
