It was all pop and pageantry at the GJA’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) and Honours Night which was held on Friday (April 2, 2025) at the Alisa Hotel.
The plush event which was attended by several Journalists and veteran Journalists including Cameron Duodu, Kwesi Pratt Junior and Ben Ephson was graced by Minister of State in charge of Government Communications Hon Felix Ofosu Kwakye, who represented President Mahama, the Minority Leader Hon. Alex Afenyo Markin and the Executive Chairman of KGL Group, Mr. Alex Dadey.
The Event saw about 24 Veterans and Dedicated Corporate Partners being honoured. The honourees include Former GJA Presidents Amb. Kabral Blay-Amihere, Gifty Afenyi Dadzie, Adwoa Yebiah Afari, Nana Kweku Dei aka Ransford Tetteh, Mr. Cameron Duodu among others.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Felix Ofosu Kwakye reiterated government’s commitment to support the media and protect it from intimidation and attacks.
Minister of state in charge of government communications, Hon. Felix Ofosu Kwakye addressing the gathering
He emphasized that it is the wish of President Mahama who himself is a member of the GJA to see the media flourish and develop under his presidency.
He later admonished the media to be professional whilst carrying out their constitutional mandate.
The GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour whose captivating delivery wowed the guests called for support for the media.
He said attacks on media only affects the Country’s world Press Freedom ranking hence the need for the media to be supported to be stand the test of time.
He paid a glowing tribute to all the fallen heroes and prayed for God’s protection for the Veterans and new crop of Journalists.
He also commended government and Corporate Partners for their support to the media and called for more support from them as the media commits itself to be act in a manner that promotes good governance and business development in Ghana.
Honourees: Celebrating Excellence
Category 1: Press Freedom Promoters
Eight eminent individuals were honoured for their pioneering roles in championing press freedom:
• Amb. Kabral Blay-Amihere – Founding advocate for an independent journalists’ association and national Press Centre.
• Gifty Afenyi-Dadzie, Esq. – First female GJA President; trailblazer for women in journalism.
• Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobby – Founder of Ghana’s first private radio station, Radio Eye.
• Prof. Kwame Karikari – Renowned press freedom advocate and founder of MFWA.
• Ajoa Yeboah-Afari – Veteran editor and advocate for journalistic integrity.
• Kwesi Pratt Jnr. – Outspoken defender of journalists’ rights and public discourse.
• Ben Ephson – Celebrated for over 51 years of committed, fearless journalism.
• Elizabeth Ohene – Icon of principled journalism in Ghana and beyond.
Category 2: Media Developers
Six individuals and couples were honoured for nurturing the growth of the Ghanaian media:
• Sir Sam Jonah – Major supporter of GJA initiatives and journalist development.
• Bright Blewu – Longest-serving GJA General Secretary; delivered impactful reforms.
• Kwasi Afriyie-Badu – Pioneered media training programmes and GJA structural support.
• Cameron Duodu – Internationally respected journalist and media ethicist.
• Dr. Chief Crystal-Djirackor – Founder of Crystal TV, Ghana’s private broadcasting pioneer.
• Wilna & Alex Quarmyne – Founders of Radio Ada; champions of community radio in Ghana.
Category 3: Dedicated Partners
Seven organisations and individuals were recognised for their sustained partnership with the GJA and commitment to civic responsibility:
• Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) – Longtime collaborator in development-focused journalism.
• Embassy of the USA in Accra – Key supporter of media empowerment and training.
• Unilever Ghana Limited – Title sponsor of GJA Awards and P. A. V. Ansah Prize.
• Innolink – Partner in credible elections reporting and journalist training.
• Electoral Commission of Ghana – Supporter of media transparency during elections.
• Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES) – Longtime advocate for media training and democratic dialogue.
• Amakye Dede – Celebrated artist whose support elevated early GJA Awards ceremonies.
Acknowledging Sponsors
Special thanks to the following sponsors for supporting WPFD 2025:
• KGL Group of Companies (Main Sponsor)
• Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT)
• National Communications Authority (NCA)
• Ghana Gold Board
• National Petroleum Authority
• National Security
KGL Group Chairman’s Remarks
Mr. Alex Apau Dadey, Executive Chairman of KGL Group, delivered a keynote message underscoring the company’s commitment to supporting press freedom and media development in Ghana. He praised journalists for their role in shaping national consciousness and promoting democratic accountability, pledging continued support for initiatives that uphold the independence and vibrancy of the Ghanaian media.
Some awards were collected on behalf of recipients who were unable to attend the event.
Source:www.senaradioonline.com
