The 23rd GJA awards, has been launched in Accra. This year’s theme is on the “State of investigative journalism, boundaries of privacy and borders of public interest.”
Chairman of the National Peace Council, Professor Emmanuel Asante in his address, asked journalists to be critical in their work.
He said journalists must analyse, be accurate, fair and balanced in their reportage. Professor Asante stated that being a public figure comes with accountability; therefore the issue of corruption cannot be addressed privately as it affects the nation.
The 23rd GJA awards will be held at Kempinski hotel in October this year. It will be the first ever awards by the GJA being held there.
Kempinski is one of the main sponsors of this year’s GJA awards. The awards is held annually to reward deserving and hardworking journalists.
Prof. Emmanuel Asante said journalists have the responsibility to hold public officers to account. He said there is a thin line between private and public. Prof. Asante therefore asked journalists to consider privacy in reporting.
The Executive Director, IDEG, Dr Emmanuel Akwetey said although democracy has brought about the free exercising of one’s rights, it is unfortunate that some people tend to abuse it. He said institutions set up to protect the public good must be effective.
Dr Akwetey said the outcomes of investigative journalism which are not followed and prosecuted is strengthening wrong doings in public places.
He advocated for the CID to be empowered to uncover corruption.
This year’s GJA awards has some new additions like the best radio and tv station, best female journalist, best online and others. In all 40 awards is expected to be given out.
