As the world prepares to observe World Press Freedom Day (WPFD), the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) is set to shine a spotlight on legacy, leadership, and resilience in journalism by honouring 24 individuals and institutions who have significantly contributed to the growth and defence of press freedom in Ghana.
This year’s celebration, themed “Celebrating Champions of Press Freedom and Ghana’s Media Growth; Building a Resilient Media in the AI Era,” reflects the shifting dynamics of journalism in an age dominated by artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
The highlight of the commemorative activities is a high-profile award ceremony scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the Alisa Hotel, North Ridge, where President John Dramani Mahama will grace the occasion as Special Guest of Honour.
In a notable shift from tradition, the GJA has opted for an evening event rather than its customary daytime flag-raising ceremony. The change is a deliberate attempt to elevate the visibility of those being celebrated while reinforcing the importance of legacy in an evolving media space.
According to a statement copied to the Ghana News Agency, the honourees include veteran journalists, media pioneers, diplomats, and institutions that have championed free expression and journalistic excellence.
Celebrating Lifelong Advocates for Free Press
Among those to be honoured for their lifelong advocacy and contributions to press freedom are former GJA Presidents Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere, Mrs Gifty Affenyi Dadzie, and Ms Ajoa Yeboah-Afari. Others include media scholar Prof Kwame Karikari, policy analyst Dr Charles Wereko-Brobby, and veteran editors Kwesi Pratt Jnr, Elizabeth Ohene, and Ben Ephson Jnr.
The GJA will also honour media development influencers such as Sir Sam Jonah, former GJA General Secretary Mr Bright Blewu, and broadcast trailblazer Chief Dr Crystal Djirakor, among others.
Institutional Champions Recognised
Several institutions are also being recognised for their enduring support of press freedom and media development in Ghana. These include the Embassy of the United States of America, Unilever Ghana Limited, Electoral Commission, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Friedrich Ebert Stiftung, and Innolink Ghana Limited.
Acknowledging Philanthropy and Support
The Association will also pay tribute to philanthropists and corporate supporters who have stood by the GJA during crucial moments. These include Mr Alex Dadey, Dr Paul Kofi Fynn, and adb Bank.
Legendary highlife musician Abrantie Amakye Dede will be honoured for his cultural and material support to the GJA, reaffirming the link between the arts and the media.
A Future Shaped by Technology
This year’s global WPFD theme, “Reporting in the Brave New World – The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media,” underscores the urgent need for ethical, adaptive journalism in the digital age. Ghana’s national theme builds on this by framing the AI era as a call for both reflection and reinvention.
GJA General Secretary Mr Kofi Yeboah emphasised the significance of celebrating trailblazers who laid the foundation for press freedom as the media braces for new challenges brought by AI and digital disruption.
With support from institutions including KGL Group, NCA, SSNIT, NPA, PMMC, and National Security, the event signals a strong commitment to protecting media independence while honouring those who helped build it.
As the media adapts to technological disruption, the GJA’s message is clear: honouring the past is essential to navigating the future.
