The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will host an evening of recognition and celebration as it honours individuals, institutions and organisations whose contributions have significantly advanced press freedom, media development, democratic governance and national progress.
The event forms part of activities marking this year’s World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) celebration and is scheduled for Saturday, June 6, 2026, at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, Accra, at 6:00 p.m.
Held under the global theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development and Security,” the ceremony is expected to bring together about 300 distinguished guests, including government officials, diplomats, media leaders, development partners and industry stakeholders.
President John Dramani Mahama will be represented by Hon. Sam Nartey George, Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, who will serve as Special Guest of Honour.
Also expected are the Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, and Minority Leader, Hon. Alexander Afenyo-Markin. The event will be chaired by Dr. Charity Binka, President of the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) – Ghana Chapter.
The awards will recognise a broad range of contributors to the media landscape. In the first category, honourees include H.E. Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Haruna Atta, media advocate Samson Lardy Anyenini, and the late Justice Kwame Afreh, who will be honoured posthumously for his contribution to press freedom.
Under the Dedication and Valour Award category, recipients include Sir Benedict Batabe Assorow, Ambassador Gina Blay, Kwabena Yeboah, Kofi Badu, Dr. Gamel Nasser Adam, and Prof. Kofi Agyekum. Posthumous awards will also be presented to the late Abubakari Sidick Ahmed and the late Nana Kwame Korang.
For contributions to media development and governance, the GJA will honour Prof. Amin Alhassan, Prof. Omane Antwi, and Kofi Totobi Quakyi. Others recognised in this category include Beatrice Agyeman, Ken Ansah, and Fada Dickson Narh for their leadership in the media industry.
Institutions to be honoured include Graphic Communications Group Limited, The Catholic Standard, the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana News Agency, and Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City Accra. Turkish Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Hüseyin Güngör, will also receive a Special Recognition Award.
The evening will feature cultural performances, reflections on the future of journalism, and networking in a celebratory atmosphere. The GJA says the event will highlight the role of the media in strengthening democracy and national development, while expressing gratitude to partners and sponsors for their support.
