The Northern Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) have launched its 6th Regional Awards scheme to celebrate hard work and excellence.
This year’s awards will be held on the theme: “Empowering the Next Generation: The Role of the Media in Digital Skills, Innovation and Youth Opportunities”.
In his address, the Northern Regional GJA Chairman, Mr. Yakubu Abdul Majeed, noted the awards are designed to recognize excellence and to motivate journalists, especially young journalists, to strive for greater achievements.
He highlighted the main objective in choosing this year’s theme is to draw the attention of duty bearers to the importance of digital skills, and the urgent need to equip the youth with these skills to enable them compete in an already saturated job market.
Mr. Yakubu argued that the country’s future will be in jeopardy if leaders fail to equip the next generation with digital skills.
”As the media is regarded as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, it is essential for us to lead the conversation on the importance of acquiring digital knowledge” he posited.
He therefore appealed to the government through the Ministry of Education to pay special attention to ICT studies at all levels of education.
Remuneration
The GJA Chairman seized the opportunity to also highlight on the poor condition of service of Journalists in the region.
”Madam Chairperson, permit me to use this occasion to make an urgent call on all media owners and managers to take immediate steps to improve the conditions of service of journalists.
”It is pathetic and unfortunate that some of our colleagues in private media houses receive very poor salaries” he stated.
Mr. Yakubu Abdul Majeed maintained that, even some state-owned media are not exempted from this challenge, adding, “Just last week, a book entitled: “Newsroom Poverty” was launched, highlighting these very concerns.”
He said the poor conditions of service undermines the effectiveness and efficiency of Journalists in discharging their watchdog role.
For his part, the Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John commended the Northern Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association for sustaining the awards scheme, describing it as a prestigious platform that promotes excellence, professionalism, ethical journalism, and the vital contribution of the media to democratic governance and sustainable development.
The Minister underscored the significant role the media plays in the country’s governance process.
He stated that responsible journalism keeps citizens informed, promotes accountability, amplifies the concerns of communities, and contributes significantly to peace, social cohesion, and development.
Mr. Adolf further observed that a vibrant and responsible media is essential for building transparent institutions and strengthening democracy.
Meanwhile, submission of entries have opened and expected to close on Monday August 31, 2026 at 6:00p.m.
