Tamale: The fifth edition of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards in the Northern Region has been launched in Tamale, aiming to recognise deserving journalists for their contributions to the development of the Northern and Savannah regions.
According to Ghana News Agency, the launch ceremony was attended by the Northern Regional Minister, Northern Regional Police Commander, Heads of Department, representatives of civil society/non-governmental organisations, journalists, and media practitioners in the region. This year's Awards, expected to be climaxed on November 15, is on the theme: 'Bridging the Rural-Urban Education Gap: The Role of the Media'.
Journalists in the Northern and Savannah regions qualify to enter the Awards, which has 14 categories, including Education, Environment, Health, Tourism and Culture, Agriculture, Disability, Sports, Road Safety, Energy and Electricity, Videographer/Cameraperson of the Year, Most Promising Young Female Regional Journalist of the Year, and the Regional Journalist of the Year.
Mr Abdul-Majeed Yakubu, Northern Regional Chairman of GJA, speaking during the launch, said the Association remained committed to promoting responsible journalism and positive reportage about the region. He emphasised that education was the foundation of national development and called on journalists to channel their efforts and resources toward exposing issues that hinder educational progress.
He noted that the Association had lined up a series of activities to build the capacity of journalists and help uphold professional ethics in their work. He expressed gratitude to the long-standing partners of the Association in the region, including Northern Electricity Distribution Company Limited, Ghana Developing Communities Association, and Baobab Microfinance Company Limited, amongst others, for their continued support for the Awards over the years.
Mr Albert Futukpor, Northern Regional Secretary of GJA, outlined the guidelines for the Awards, stating that journalists had a two-week period (October 14 to October 28) to enter the Awards.
Ali Adolf John, Northern Regional Minister, commended journalists for their dedication to promoting transparency and accountability, describing their work as vital to the country's democratic growth. He reiterated the importance of the theme and assured that the government was working to improve education outcomes across the country. He urged journalists to be circumspect in their reportage, especially on sensitive security issues, and to uphold ethical standards in their work. He remarked, 'Sometimes, the way certain reports are framed can escalate tensions or undermine security efforts. We urge all journalists to exercise professionalism.'
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCOP) Mr Wisdom Lavoe, Northern Regional Police Commander, called for stronger collaboration between the media and the security services.
Hajia Wedad Sayibu, Director of School for Life, who chaired the launch, commended the media for their efforts to promote accountability and national development. She praised the theme of the Awards, noting that it reflected journalists' commitment to addressing educational inequities to ensure equal opportunities for all children across the country.
