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