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Ashfoam Redeems Sponsorship Pledge to GJA AwardeesBy Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah & Theresa Dzifa Tsetse
Ashfoam, a leading manufacturer of mattresses and home furnishings, has presented awards to winners at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards.
In a bid to redeem sponsorship pledges to support the awards, the company last Thursday presented products to the award winners at an impressive ceremony held at the company’s headquarters in North Kaneshie, Accra.
Winners in categories such as education, environmental reporting, and health — which was won by Ms Abigail Annoh of The Ghanaian Times — were presented with products of the company, including Adinkra L-shape sofa couches and Queen-size “Jigijigi” mattresses.
Other notable winners were Godwin Asediba, Journalist of the Year, and Clinton Yeboah, Best Student Journalist of the Year.
At the event, officials of the company, which was established in 1976, emphasised that their partnership with the GJA reflects respect for the vital role journalists play in national development.
“We acknowledge the immense contribution of journalists to society in health, environment, business, and governance. Your platforms project businesses and ideas to the world, and that is why we have made it a key part of our operations to partner with you,” management stated.
Miss Taline D. Majdoub, Head of Showroom and After Sales Department, echoed this commitment, noting that Ashfoam was proud to recognise the tireless efforts of journalists while promoting ethical business practices.
The GJA President, Mr Kwabena Dwumfour, lauded Ashfoam’s renewed commitment, describing the gesture as a boost to the association’s mission of recognising excellence in journalism.
He also urged journalists to expose fake and harmful products on the market, reinforcing the profession’s role in protecting consumers and promoting accountability.
Both institutions pledged to continue to work together to promote media excellence, encourage transparency, and ensure journalists were well supported in carrying out their duties.
The Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into a viral video in which a woman identified as Arianna Naomi Mackey, an American citizen, claims she was kidnapped by five masked men, whom she alleges were officers of the Ghana Police Service on snap-check duty in Accra, and robbed her of some amount of money.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the video was recorded at a hotel in Accra where Ms. Mackey and two companions were staying.
According to the police, investigation also confirmed that they checked out of the hotel on December 5, 2025.Checks at the Kotoka International Airport also disclosed that she left Ghana on the same day.
The Police subsequently contacted the alleged victim to assist the investigation. She indicated to Police that she was out of the country and she could not get the names of the alleged officers nor the number plate of the vehicle they were using.
Police further requested for the contact details of her friend in Ghana, who she said was with her during the time of the incident.
She, however, stated that her friend does not want to be involved in the investigation.
According to the police, she has since deleted the video on her page and further efforts by the Investigators to contact her through WhatsApp calls and messages have proved unsuccessful, as she has declined to respond and later blocked the team.
Meanwhile, efforts are ongoing to secure her cooperation through appropriate diplomatic channels.
The Ghana Police Service has noted that it treats such allegations very seriously and remains committed to uncovering the facts in this case.
The Northern Regional Police Command has arrested three men believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate responsible for abducting a 42-year-old man in Wapuli, a community in the Yendi District.
The suspects, Haruna Seidu, Amidu Bandi and Osman Bandi allegedly kidnapped the victim and demanded GH¢100,000 from his family for his release.
According to a police statement, officers from the Regional Police Intelligence Directorate were deployed to Wapuli after the incident was reported.
The team conducted surveillance and launched a rescue operation.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, police successfully rescued the victim and arrested the suspects after what was described as an intense exchange of gunfire.
The suspects were later taken into custody and are expected to be arraigned before court.
The Police said the a fourth suspect, who is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds during the operation, is currently on the run.
They urged the public to provide any information that may lead to his arrest.
By: Jacob Aggrey
