The Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, has encouraged Ghanaian journalists to go beyond news reporting in the discharge of their duties.
“Press freedom is fundamental to democracy, but we must exercise responsibility regarding human dignity, cultural values and national interests.
The pace at which information travels must never compromise accuracy, fairness, or the principles of responsibility,” he noted in an address at the 30th Media Awards’ Ceremony of the Ghana Journalists’ Association (GJA), in Accra.
The programme was on the theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age”.
Among other things, the Ga Mantse was honoured for distinguished contributions to traditional governance, peace, media and national development.
King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who chaired the ceremony, enumerated the critical role the media played in informing and guiding national discourse.
“This influence places significant responsibilities on journalists,” he said, urging the media to “tell our stories with integrity, preserve our heritage with pride, and contribute meaningfully to our nation’s adaption”.
He noted that the awards’ ceremony marked a significant milestone in the GJA’s history.
It offered an important opportunity to recognise the dedication, courage and professionalism of journalists as they served the public’s interest, he observed.
“This event not only celebrates excellence but also inspires the next generation of media practitioners and reinforces public confidence in the profession,”
Mr Omar Faruk Osman, President of the Federation of African Journalists (FAJ), indicated that Ghanaian journalism offered a positive example to journalists and the wider media fraternity on the continent.
“Its rich tradition of public engagement, professional commitment, and contribution to national debate demonstrates the important role journalism can play in the society,” he stated.
The 30th Media Awards’ Ceremony had Philip Osei Bonsu of Asempa FM emerging as the GJA/PAV Ansah Journalist of the Year.
He is the host of ‘Ekosiisen’, an afternoon current affairs show, which also emerged as the Best Radio Programme in a Ghanaian language.
The awards covered work published in 2025, and more than 40 individuals and some selected organisations took awards.
President John Dramani Mahama, who is a GJA member, graced the occasion.
Other distinguished participants were Mr Alban Bagbin, the Speaker of Parliament, the Inspector-General of Police, Christian Tetteh Yohunu, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and the Minority Leader, Osahene Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
GNA
