The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has announced 28 individuals and four media organisations/programmes as nominees for the 28th GJA Media Awards, scheduled for Saturday, September 28.

During the announcement at the Ghana International Press Centre on Wednesday evening, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour revealed that the nominees were selected for their excellent journalistic work, which deserves recognition and celebration.

The nominees are as follows:

He expressed his gratitude to the nine-member awards committee whose responsibility was to review over 300 entries and select deserving works based on merit, accuracy, and impact. It was chaired by Mr. George-Ramsey Benamba of the Ghana News Agency.

“They have indeed worked tirelessly to select deserving nominees in a fair, transparent, and impartial manner,” he said.

Dwumfour emphasised that the committee had selected winners in 36 award categories, to be honoured at this year’s ceremony, which will take place at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

Among the honours at stake, Dwumfour noted, is the inaugural Akoto Ampaw Award for Democracy and Good Governance, established last year in memory of the late private legal practitioner Akoto Ampaw, “for his dedication to the protection and promotion of media freedom.”

Other notable awards include the prestigious PAV Ansah Journalist of the Year, Best Female Journalist of the Year, the Komla Dumor Most Promising Journalist of the Year, and Best Student Journalist of the Year.

“It is often said that an organisation or association that does not recognise and celebrate its members is not worth fighting for. Journalists often work under very difficult and dehumanising conditions to bring us the news. This is why, as an association, we have always deemed it prudent to recognise and celebrate excellence in journalism and media, as per the dictates of our constitution, the 2004 GJA Constitution,” Dwumfour added.

He congratulated all the nominees for their outstanding work, dedication, and passion, which, he said, has earned them their place among the best in the media space.

“We recognise and celebrate your achievements, and we look forward to honouring your contributions. To those who applied but didn’t get nominated, I say better luck next time."

Dwumfour emphasised the critical role of the media in shaping public opinion and holding leaders accountable, especially as Ghana prepares for the 2024 general elections. He stated that the theme for this year's awards is "75 Years of Excellence in Journalism: The Role of the Media in Democratic Governance and Elections."

He noted that this year’s awards ceremony will also serve as the climax of the GJA’s 75th-anniversary celebration, which has been a year-long event.

Dwumfour extended his thanks to Corporate Ghana for their continued support of the GJA.