“This is not the time to get carried away. It’s a moment to reflect — on my life, my story, and my whole journey. It’s a call to do better.”

Those were the words of Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, the Sports Journalist of the Year, as he reflected on his second consecutive win at the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Manhyia, Kumasi.

The JoySports journalist described his latest recognition as “a call to duty” to uphold the highest standards of journalism and to continue telling impactful stories that inspire change.

“Last year, I said this honour was a massive responsibility placed on my shoulders, and that hasn’t changed,” he said after the ceremony at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Jubilee Hall.

“The Sports Journalist or Reporter of the Year category is one of the most competitive — if not the most competitive. The sports industry is vast, filled with multi-talented individuals who have all told incredible stories. To emerge top among such great storytellers shows I’m doing something right, but it can always get better.”

The citation accompanying his award celebrated Muftawu’s compelling storytelling and his enduring influence on sports journalism in Ghana.

It read: "Your work continues to inspire and elevate the standards of sports journalism in Ghana. With your insightful, newsworthy, and compelling storytelling, you have become a voice of passion within the sports fraternity. For your outstanding contribution to sports journalism through your works, the Ghana Journalists Association proudly confers on you, Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, the Best Sports Reporter. Congratulations!”

His award-winning story, “Trey Haun: The Boy Whose Ride Lifts the Ghanaian Flag High and Inspires a Community to dream big,” was hailed for capturing not only the thrill of sport but also the human spirit — “the dreams, the discipline, and the determination that define greatness.”

Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Muftawu said the honour only fuels his resolve to grow and contribute more meaningfully to the profession.

“I will continue to learn, I will continue to grow, and hopefully, I will be in a position to do greater work in the years ahead,” he affirmed.

"Congratulations to all those who joined this race. Though we competed here, our collective efforts will make sports in this country better."

With this back-to-back triumph, Muftawu cements his place among Ghana’s finest sports storytellers — a journalist driven by passion, discipline, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.