Ghana is to host maiden Africa Media & Democracy Awards, (The Amdmc Award 2012) the event will coincide with the bi-annual Africa Media and Democracy Conference which will take place from 15th to 18th August 2012 in Accra, Ghana. The objectives of the AMDMC Awards are to; • Encourage high professional standard in Media practices as it interfaces democratic governance in Africa. • Honour and acknowledge individuals and organisations who have played significant role in diverse ways in nurturing and supporting Africa’s ongoing efforts for democratic and accountable governance, the rule of law, freedom, peace and social justice. Barima Adu-Asamoa, Director of the Africa Media & Democracy Institute stated that; "There has been in the last few decades an upsurge for democratic governance, the rule of law and freedom of speech and association in Africa. This has in the main been assisted by the media across board, from radio, television, print and the new media. Access to and dissemination of information has played a significant role in emerging and renewal of democracies in Africa. Significantly these developments have come about through the efforts and commitment not only of individuals, but also of organisations and groups. We consider these contributions critical to Africa’s development agenda and one that must be upheld and encouraged. At the same time we acknowledge the challenges ahead as Africa searches for a meaningful development paradigm one which is consistent with universal democratic values enshrined in rule of law, social and economic justice for all and we hope this Awards make meaningful contributions.” The Awards has two main categories THE MEDIA and THE DEMOCRACY categories with about five (5) main awards in each category, these include; •THE NATIONAL PRINT MEDIA AWARD: This Award is for best National Newspaper ın the promotion of democracy & high professional standard. It is awarded on national bases within the four (4) regional groupings, West, East, South and North Africa regions. •THE REGIONAL PRINT MEDIA AWARD: This Award ıs for the best newspaper that promotes democracy & high professional standard which specifically focuses on West, East, and South and North Africa regions. •THE INTERNATIONAL PRINT MEDIA AWARD: This Award ıs for best the International Newspaper which may be published in or outside Africa but promotes democracy and high professional standard in Africa. •THE NATIONAL TELEVISION AWARD: This Award ıs for the best National Television ın the promotion of national democracy & high professional standard. The Award is given on regional bases. •THE REGIONAL TELEVISION AWARD: This Award ıs for the best Television which specifically focuses on the promotion of democracy & high professional standard in West, East, South and North Afrıcan regions. •THE NATIONAL RADIO AWARD: The Award is for best Radio in promotion of national democracy and High Professional Standard. It is awarded on national basis within the four (4) regional groupings, West, East, South and North Africa region. •THE NATIONAL INTERNET AWARD: This award will recognise the use of the new media technology (internet) which has a national character and dedicated to socio-economic and political issues related of any country in West, East, North and Southern Africa, regions. THE DEMOCRACY AWARDS SECTIONS INCLUDE: • THE DEMOCRACY IN ACTION AWARD: This award will recognise non-governmental organisation/s through the engagement of the media in advancing and promoting democracy and social justice within the following regional groupings in Africa, West, West, South, North, East regions. It must engage the public and governments in bid to improve and enhance the practice of democracy, the rule of law and freedom of expression. • THE CAMPAIGN FOR CHANGE: The campaign for change award recognises organisation/s that have most effectively influenced opinions and behaviour to impact on democracy, accountable governance, and rule of law, peace and demonstrable high standard of professional the media. • THE INDIVIDUAL AWARDS: This Award honours individual/s who have shown an outstanding commitment to promoting democracy, rule of law, accountable governance, peace or a demonstrable high professionalism as a media practitioner in Africa. • THE CORPORATE COMMUNITY IMPACT: The award goes to a corporate body which has supported in diverse ways the growth of democracy and the media or both to bring about change in the lives of Africans, one that impacts communities and enhances the lives of the people for a better future. • THE LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT: This award goes to individual/s who have selflessly devoted him/her to the greater good of Africans in any endeavour. THE SPECIAL CATEGORY: • BEST AFRICAN JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD - INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALISM • BEST AFRICAN JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD - DEMOCRACY • BEST AFRICAN JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD - GENDER /DEMOCARCY • BEST AFRICAN JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD - ENVIRONMENT • EST AFRICAN JOURNALIST OF THE YEAR AWARD - DEVELOPMENT