Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) as part of its 70th anniversary this year, has released Honourary list in remembrance of the outstanding contributions made by some media personnel and members of civil society.
Their contributions were in the quest for freedom and independence of the media in particular, and overall media development in Ghana in general.
This was in a statement signed by, the President of the GJA, Affail Monney.
It said the list was being published as part of the celebration of the platinum anniversary on the theme: “Democracy, Freedom and Independence of the Media in Ghana: 70 Years of GJA’s Contribution”.
The statement said the celebration will come to a climax on Saturday, November 23, 2019 with the 24th annual GJA Awards at Kempinski, Gold Coast Hotel.
It said individuals, organisations and institutions on the honours list will be acknowledged at the awards ceremony, alongside the winners of the competitive and honorary awards.
The honours list has been grouped under Champion of Champions of Freedom and Independence of the Media, Torch Bearers and Pioneers of the Struggle for Press Freedom and the Dynamos of GJA Rejuvenation for Professionalism, Democracy, Freedom, Independence and Assertiveness of the Media.
The rest are; Bulwarks of Freedom and Independence of the Media, Stokers and Pokers of Press Freedom, Special Contributions to GJA Development and Outstanding Corporate Sponsorship.
The list is as follows: Champion of Champions of Freedom and Independence of the Media conferred on former President John Agyekum Kufuor, on 28th May, 2019 at the inauguration of the GJA platinum anniversary planning committee and the launch of the 24th GJA Awards Competition at Kempinski Hotel.
Torch Bearers and Pioneers of the Struggle for Press Freedom, Charles Bannerman, (Posthumously), Tommy Thompson, (Posthumously), Wallace Johnson, (Posthumously), Namdzi Azikiwe, (Posthumously), T.B. Ottie, (Posthumously), John Kugblenu, (Posthumously), Kate Abbam, (Posthumously), Emmanuel Dentu, (Posthumously), and George Marshal Naykene Snr. (Posthumously) and Ray Kakraba-Quarshie.
The Dynamos of GJA rejuvenation for professionalism, democracy, freedom, independence and assertiveness of the media: Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, Mrs. Gifty Affenyi Dadzie and Bright Kwame Blewu.
Bulwarks of Freedom and Independence of the Media are: Professor P.A.V. Ansah (posthumously), Professor Kofi Kumado, Professor Kwame Karikari and Dr. Charles Wereko-Brobbey.
The Stokers and Pokers of Press Freedom: Cameron Duodu, Elizabeth Ohene, Ajoa Yeboah-Afari, Kwesi Pratt Jnr., Malik Kweku Baako, Ben Ephson Jnr., Nana Kofi Coomson, Freddy Blay, Jonas Kwakye, Mike Adjei, Tom Dorkenoo, Dr. Yao Graham, Cyril Acolatse (posthumously), Haruna Attah, Kwaku Sakyi-Addo, Komla Dumor (posthumously), Anas Aremeyaw Anas, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, Dr. Steve Manteaw, Kwasi Twum, and Osei Kwame Despite.
Special Contributions to GJA Development: Sir Sam Jonah, Okuapemehene Nana Addo, Dankwa (Posthumously), Nana Kwame Korang V, Omahene of Awuah Odumase near, Sunyani, Hebert Mensah, Edward Tengey (Posthumously), Frances Ademola, G.B.K. Owusu (Posthumously), Edward Ameyibor (Posthumously), Professor Henrietta Mensa-Bonsu, David Anaglatey, Godwin Avenorgbo, Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamekloe, K.T. Dadzie, and Joseph Boateng,
The others are; Dr. Kofi Amoah, Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, Akoto Ampaw, Tsatsu Tsikata, John Ndebugri, George Amissah Kofi Eshun, Kwasi Cabbe-Addae (Posthumously), Yonni Kulendi, Kwasi Afriyie Badu, Dr. Anthony Bonnah Koomson, Dr. Doris Yaa Dartey, Joe Baidoe-Ansah, Eunice Osei-Bonsu, Yaa Oforiwa Asare-Peasah, Peter Agbeko Jnr., Mathias Tibu, Pedro Pyne, Ella Dove (Posthumously), Mathew Mac-Kwame, Dr. Kweku Rockson, David Voe, Samson Lardi Anyenini, Abrantie Amakye Dede and his Apollo High Kings, and Ebo Cooker and Western Diamonds.
Outstanding Corporate Sponsorship: Unilever, Friedrich Ebert Foundation (FES), Ashanti Gold Corporation (AGC) now AngloGold Ashanti, M-Net, Ghana National Petroleum, Corporation (GNPC), MTN, INNOLINK, Ideal Finance, Volta River Authority (VRA), Kosmos Energy, Stanbic Bank, and Agricultural Development Bank (ADB).
Industry Leadership Award: Osei Kwame Despite.
Best Regional Stations: Space Fm – Bono Region, Class Fm – Bono East, After2 Radio – Ahafo Region, Hello Fm – Ashanti, Radio Upper West- Wa, URA Radio- Upper East, Bryt FM- Eastern Region, Swiss FM – Volta Region, Westend Radio – Western Region, Radio Savanna – Northern Region and Nkwa Fm- Central Region.
Special Awards: Dr. Kofi Mensah MD, ADB, Dr. Ben Asante CEO Ghana Gas, Emmanuel Antwi- Darkwa CEO, VRA, Mavis Kitcher- Director of News Graphic Communications Group, Dan Kweku Yeboah – Peace Power Sports, Kwamena Onumah- GBC Radio, Ghanaian Times, and Atinka Media Village.
College of Physicians and Surgeons awards: Mohammed Kamil Baba –TV Africa, Tamale, and Samuel Sikayene – Time FM, Obuasi
