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President Akufo-Addo salutes Ghanaian journalists at 28th GJA Awards
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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.
A Prophet and General Overseer of Jesus Prayer Ministry at Ejisu Asuasi, Kumasi, and Pig Farm, Accra, Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Grace Frimpong-Boateng, has urged Ghanaians to pray fervently to avert any disaster that would endanger many.
“God hears prayers, and intercessory prayers will provide your family safety and protection so you can live long and enjoy life in this world,” she added.
Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Frimpong-Boateng was speaking with The Spectator in an interview last week.
According to her, she had a revelation that there would be a tragedy that will harm many people, however, effective prayers can avert it.
She said that the Ghana Meteorological Agency (GMet) predicted another heavy downpour from Thursday to Sunday following the recent torrential rain that devastated Accra and other areas. However, strong intercessory prayers prevented the prediction, which would have been catastrophic.
She claims that whenever she shares something that God has revealed to her, she does not receive widespread support from people to join her in effective intercession.
As a result, she has urged everyone including members of parliament, cabinet ministers, traditional authorities, religious leaders, and other citizens to exercise caution and pray fervently in order to avoid premature death.
According to Rt. Rev. Dr Mrs Frimpong-Boateng the recent downpour in Accra which claimed lives and destroyed property was unusual.
“The sea was irritated because of certain rituals performed and caused it to spew forth, exposing the dirt.” There are still some rites in the sea, and they will definitely surface,” she disclosed.
“Let’s pray that God would burn and destroy the things that have contaminated the sea,” she indicated.
By Spectator
The Adentan Circuit Court has convicted a mason for stealing a four-year-old boy from Kpedze in the Volta Region and bringing him to Accra.
David Kpandoyo, 25, a Togolese national, pleaded guilty to a charge of child stealing.
The court, presided over by Mrs Angela Attachie, convicted him on his own plea and adjourned sentencing to July 14, 2026.
Kpandoyo told the court that he had gone to a drinking spot to consume alcohol when the child approached him.
He said he gave the boy some money, took him home, and could not remember what happened afterwards because he was intoxicated.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Patience Mario, assisted by Chief Inspector Jacob Nyarko, led the prosecution.
The prosecution said the complainant, Mr Bismark Gbago, is a 52-year-old painter residing at New Legon in Accra.
The victim’s mother, Ms Patience Ablordefey Afefa, is a 25-year-old hairdresser living at Kpedze in the Volta Region with the victim, a Kindergarten One pupil.
The prosecution said Kpandoyo also resided at New Legon, where he worked as a mason.
It said the victim went missing at Kpedze on July 1, 2026, at about 18:00 hours.
On July 3, at about 6:30pm, the complainant reported to the New Legon Police that he had found the four-year-old boy wandering around the area and that the child was unable to identify his home.
The prosecution said that on July 4, at about 4 p.m., the complainant informed the Police that after announcements were made within the community, Kpandoyo came forward claiming that the boy was his son.
The complainant and Kpandoyo subsequently went to the police Station to identify the child.
However, Kpandoyo was unable to produce the child’s birth certificate or lead the Police to the child’s mother.
Later that day, the police received a flyer bearing the name and telephone numbers of the victim’s mother, together with the child’s photograph, indicating that he had gone missing from Kpedze.
The police contacted the victim’s mother and asked her to report to the New Legon Police Station with the child’s birth certificate and weighing card because another person was claiming to be the child’s parent.
On July 6, the victim’s mother and her relatives reported to the Police Station and stated that they did not know Kpandoyo.
During investigations, Kpandoyo admitted in his cautioned statement that the victim was not his child.
He further confessed that while working at Kpedze, he stole the boy and brought him to Accra. –GNA
