A child protection organization in the cocoa sector, International Cocoa Initiative (ICI) has presented a cheque of GH¢10,000 to support the 2016 Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards.

The awards ceremony, which has become GJA’s flagship event, comes off on August 27, 2016, at the Banquet Hall, State House.

It seeks to reward hard-working journalists in the year under review.

Presenting the cheque at a short ceremony at the International Press Centre in Accra on Monday, Programme Coordinator at ICI Ghana, Mr Prince Gyamfi, explained that the donation is to support the Best Rural Reporting with Focus on Ending Worst Forms of Child Labour category of the awards.

In his speech he emphasised that the theme chosen is in acknowledgement of the need for stronger collaboration between the media and civil society, to promote a rational and credible coverage of the election.

Mr Gyamfi, added that as gatekeepers, the media must remain consistently neutral to help sanitize and stimulate dialogue on ending child labour.

He encouraged them to ensure coverage reflects the practicalities, successes chalked, challenges of cocoa growing communities and the plight of children.

He further urged GJA to continue to hold its members to higher professional and ethical standards, balanced and fair in their news reportage.

Mr. Gyamfi took the opportunity to share with the GJA and media, ICI’s 2015 Annual Report which highlights their activities and achievements.

Receiving the cheque and annual report on behalf of GJA, President of GJA, Dr. Affail Monney, appreciated the contributions of ICI and praised its quest to support the recognition of higher professional and ethical standards.

He thanked ICI for coming on board and helping to celebrate responsible journalism in the country.

In the attendance of the President of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, the 21st GJA Awards will honour over 30 outstanding journalists in Ghana.