News
GJA honours outstanding journalists on Press Freedom Day
- /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/2025/05/A-group-picture-of-dignitaries-at-the-event-1000x600.jpg&description= GJA honours outstanding journalists on Press Freedom Day', '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/2025/05/A-group-picture-of-dignitaries-at-the-event-1000x600.jpg&description= GJA honours outstanding journalists on Press Freedom Day', 'pinterestShare', 'width=750,height=350'); return false;" title="Pin This Post">
The 2025 World Press Freedom Day and Honours Night was held in Accra, with the aim of highlighting the growing threats to media independence, including disinformation and unethical use of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The event also honoured outstanding journalists for their contribution to press freedom and development.
Held under the theme ‘Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media’, the event brought together government officials, journalists, civil society actors, and media veterans to reflect on the evolving media landscape in Ghana and across the globe.
Addressing the gathering on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, the Minister in Charge of Government Communications, Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, said press freedom was not a privilege granted by government but a constitutional right that must be protected from political cycles and corporate influence.
President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, expressed deep concern over the increasing number of attacks on journalists, revealing that 11 assault cases were recorded in February 2025 alone.
He also noted Ghana’s drop in the World Press Freedom Index from 50th in 2024 to 52nd in 2025, with a worrying decline in the country’s media security score. While acknowledging AI’s potential to improve newsroom productivity, he cautioned against its misuse.
The event also recognised media legends for their exceptional service, including Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, Mrs Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby, Mr Kwesi Pratt Jnr., Mr Ben Ephson, and Madam Elizabeth Ohene.
Edward Adetsi was awarded the 28th GJA PAV Ansah Journalist of the Year. The event brought together media professionals, diplomats, legislators, students, and members of civil society.
By Stephanie Birikorang
Businessman Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has denied reports linking him to a takeover bid for the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO).
His reaction follows a demonstration by members of the VALCO Labour Union today, during which some protesters alleged that Mr. Mahama was interested in acquiring the state-owned aluminium company.
In a statement issued by his Special Aide, Rafik Mahama, the businessman said he has “no such interest” and has not made any offer to acquire VALCO.
“The allegation is the latest in several vile attempts to impute the integrity of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama and subject him to needless public engagements,” the statement said.
The statement added that Mr. Mahama’s business track record speaks for itself, describing his companies as “some of the best-run operations across the African continent.”
It further noted that all of Mr. Mahama’s business interests were “legally commenced or acquired” and operate within the law a fact it said explains why his businesses have endured across seven election cycles.
“Mr. Mahama remains committed to contributing his quota to the development of Ghana by investing in business opportunities in Ghana and beyond,” the statement added.
The statement also disclosed that Mr. Mahama has instructed his lawyers to take the necessary legal action over the publication and allegations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The leadership of Kristo Asafo has dismissed reports circulating on social media and in some media outlets that the late Apostle Kwadwo Safo Kantanka will be buried on July 30, 2026, describing the claim as false.
The current head of the Kantanka family and leader of Kristo Asafo, Kwadwo Safo Akofena Kantanka, addressed the issue during a press conference in Accra today.
He said no burial date has been set and urged members of the church and the general public to disregard any unofficial announcements.
“I urge the members of Kristo Asafo and the nation to disregard any burial date out there,” Akofena said.
He further stressed that neither the leadership of the church nor the Kantanka family has made any such announcement regarding the funeral.
According to him, all official funeral arrangements will be communicated only through a formal statement from the Kantanka family when the time is due.
Akofena Safo Kantanka said the family remains united in ensuring that the final funeral rites are conducted in a manner that befits the legacy of the late Apostle.
He called on Ghanaians to remain calm and wait for the official communication from the family, warning against the spread of misinformation.
Background
Apostle Dr. Ing. Kwadwo Safo Kantanka, founder and spiritual leader of Kristo Asafo Mission of Ghana, passed away recently, plunging the church and the nation into mourning.
The late Apostle was widely known not only as a religious leader but also as an industrialist, inventor, and founder of the Kantanka Group of Companies, which manufactures vehicles and other machinery in Ghana.
Since his passing, there has been heightened public interest in his funeral arrangements.
It would be recalled that a faction of the siblings and family led by former MP Adwoa Safo had earlier announced a proposed burial date and arrangements.
That announcement, however, has been rejected by the current leadership of both the church and the family.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
