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Ashanti Regional GJA honours media practitioners
Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafo presenting an award to Dr. Kingsley Antwi-Boasiako, Marketing And Public Affairs Manager, Ghana Ports And Harbours Authority (Takoradi Port)
The Ashanti Regional Branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has held an Excellence Awards to honour media practitioners who have contributed to the growth of the profession in the region.
Last Saturday’s programme was held at the DOME of the Rattray Park in Kumasi under the theme, “Recognising The Media as Partners In National Development”.
The Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC)Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafo, the Paramount Chief of Kpando,Torgbui Dagadu IX, Education Minister, Dr. Yaw Osei-Adutwum, GJA President, Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor,graced the occasion with Chief of Nkwantakese, Nana Boakye Yam Ababio, as the chairman.
In all, 20 persons and organisations were recognised for their contribution to journalism and media development in Ghana particularly in the Ashanti Region.
Those who received awards included past and current crop of media practitioners whose productive roles could not be swept under the carpet.
Lawyer Nana Yaw Osei, a former Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GJA, Dr Kingsley Antwi-Boasiako, Marketimg and Public Affairs Manager of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority(Takoradi Port), Mr Michael Nana Ampong, Council Member of the Cape Coast Technical University and veteran broadcaster and educationist, Mr Ibrahim K. Gyasi, were honoured for their past and continued contributions in shaping the Journalism profession.
Messrs Luther King Adinkra, popularly known as Kwame Adinkra from ABN Group, Prince Bempong Marfo(Kojo Marfo)and Isaac Justice Bediako from EIB Group, Sampson Kwame Nyamekye from Despite Media Group, William De Bordes (Lovin Cee) from Silver FM, Charles Brafo-Anakwah from Wontumi Media, Erastus Asare Donkor from Multimedia Ghana Limited and Ms Beatrice Spio-Garbrah and Mr Victor Opoku from Media General Group, Solomon Budu-Hagan of GBC were particularly mentioned for their sustained efforts in Development Journalism.
Multimedia Ghana Limited on the night was specifically mentioned and recognised for its sustained interest in Health Journalism.
A friend of the media and politician, Chairman Odeneho Kwaku Appiah (COKA) was also honoured for his philanthropic contributions and support to the media spanning over 20 years.
Addressing the event as a Guest Speaker, Mr. Boadu-Ayeboafo urged media practitioners and journalists to see the provision of information as a public duty and service for the public good.
“It is only when the media provide credible information and keep the interest of the public at heart that they would be more than qualified to be appreciated and recognised as Partners in National Development”,he emphasised.
Mr. Boadu-Ayeboafo touched on the lack of broadcasting law to regulate the airwaves which he considers a big challenge.
Calling for the broadcasting law, the NMC Chairman again expressed concern about the excess foreign content and local television channels.
Nana Ababio commended the Regional Association for recognising and celebrating the awardees.
Minister of Education commended the media for carrying out roles that “have ensured the development of the country”.
Mr.Samuel Pyne, the Chief Executive of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, advised the media not to target personalities in their work but afford people especially, leaders of organisations and outfits, the opportunity to explain their actions.
The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the GJA Mr said: “Most of the awardees are practitioners who have held aloft the torch of the profession and are still blazing the trail for the profession to thrive.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The New Times Corporation (NTC) on Monday held its annual thanksgiving service, bringing together staff and management to reflect on the past year, express gratitude, and renew their commitment to the organisation’s growth.
At the service, the Deputy Chairperson of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) and a Board Member of the New Times Corporation (NTC), Madam Charity Binka, called for strong and intentional collaboration among staff, emphasising that unity and teamwork were crucial to transforming the corporation during its challenging times.
“This is a time to break silos, share ideas and work together as one team with a shared vision,” she said, adding that innovation and digital transformation must be embraced to secure NTC’s future.
Madam Binka expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the corporation and its employees despite financial and operational difficulties.
“Though the journey has not been smooth, God has sustained us. We are here today because of His grace,” she indicated, acknowledging the resilience and dedication of staff who have kept The Ghanaian Times and The Spectator among the country’s most respected newspapers.
Quoting Jeremiah 29:11, she encouraged staff to remain hopeful and confident that brighter days lie ahead.
Delivering the sermon, Rev. John Akorli of Word Divine International Ministry at Sukura, Accra, cautioned staff against excessive talking and gossip, warning that careless speech could create unnecessary problems.
Rev. Akorli further reminded staff that their identity should not be defined by past mistakes, family background, or negative labels.
He encouraged them to live confidently, depend on God’s guidance, and remain focused on their responsibilities, noting that spiritual awareness and discipline were essential to personal and organisational growth.
The service ended with prayers for unity, renewal, and a prosperous new chapter for the New Times Corporation.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The Catholic Bishop of the Koforidua Diocese, Bishop Joseph Afrifa Agyekum, has expressed concern over the rising rate of divorce in the country, attributing the trend largely to inadequate knowledge about marriage and misplaced expectations of couples.
He said many marriages were collapsing because couples entered into the union without a clear understanding of the responsibilities, sacrifices and commitments that marriage demands.
The Bishop raised the concern while addressing congregants at the 50th anniversary of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church at Madina on Sunday.
According to him, marriage was increasingly being viewed through unrealistic lenses shaped by social media, peer pressure and material expectations, rather than mutual respect, patience and shared values.
“Many people go into marriage with expectations that are not grounded in reality. When those expectations are not met, conflict sets in and eventually leads to separation or divorce,” he observed.
The Bishop noted that some couples lacked proper preparation before marriage, adding that pre-marital counselling was often treated as a formality rather than an opportunity to gain deeper insight into marital life.
He stressed the need for churches, families and society to intensify education on marriage, particularly among the youth, to help them make informed decisions before entering into marital unions.
The Bishop also urged married couples to embrace dialogue, forgiveness and understanding, saying disagreements were inevitable but could be resolved through patience and commitment.
He urged couples experiencing challenges to seek counselling instead of resorting to separation, emphasising that strong families remained the foundation of a stable and progressive society.
By Kennedy Afedzi
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