The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Friday night, marked this year’s World Press Freedom Day with a celebration honouring 24 distinguished individuals and institutions for their exceptional contributions to media freedom and development in Ghana.

Held at the Alisa Hotel in Accra, the event was not only a commemoration but also a recommitment to safeguarding press freedom amid emerging challenges — particularly the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism. This year’s theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media”, framed the dual purpose of the celebration: honouring the past and preparing for the future.

GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour opened the event by acknowledging past missteps, including delays in invitations to honourees, and expressed gratitude to sponsors such as KGL Group of Companies, SSNIT, NCA, and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation for their last-minute support. “We are profoundly grateful to our sponsors for coming to our aid,” he said.

Among the honourees was Mr. Alex Dade, Executive Chairman of KGL Group, who was commended for his unwavering support for the media. Individuals such as former GJA President Ransford Tetteh (Nana Kwaku Dei) and Mr. Peter Martey Agbeko were also recognised for their behind-the-scenes contributions to the association's success.

“We stand today on the firm shoulders of giants — the pioneering journalists, editors, and media owners who boldly championed the cause of press freedom in Ghana through political upheavals and economic hardships,” Dwumfour said.

The GJA revealed plans to rename the Best Radio News Reporter award category after Dr Charles Wereko Brobby, also known as “Tarzan,” in recognition of his pivotal role in establishing private radio through the creation of Radio Eye.

“We do not only seek to immortalise him,” Mr. Dwumfour noted, “but we believe it is important to form some other means of honouring achievers of our time before they die.”

Amid the celebration, the GJA president spoke extensively about the implications of AI on journalism, outlining both the opportunities — such as enhanced data analysis, automated transcription, and powerful fact-checking tools — and the risks, especially the rise of deepfakes and AI-generated misinformation.

“The AI revolution is a conversation that we need to have as it will continue to impact our work on a daily basis,” he said, cautioning that AI could easily undermine the credibility of the media if not handled responsibly.

Dwumfour also took the occasion to reaffirm the GJA’s commitment to responsible journalism. “We shall not countenance attacks on press freedom, but we shall also not condone irresponsible practices in the media,” he declared.

He reiterated that the GJA will continue to fight for journalists' welfare through initiatives such as the Journalists Support Fund and promised that more media heroes would be honoured in subsequent editions of the World Press Freedom Day celebration.

“It is our intention to make this initiative a permanent feature on the GJA calendar,” he revealed.

Mr. Dwumfour called for a collective national effort to protect journalists and uphold press freedom, stating, “Let us work together to build a media landscape that is free, vibrant, resilient, innovative, and deeply committed to serving the public interest in this rapidly evolving AI era.”

Read also:

https://www.myjoyonline.com/government-reaffirms-commitment-to-press-freedom-amid-ai-challenges-kwakye-ofosu/