Four reporters of the New Times Corporation (NTC), publishers of Ghanaian Times and The Spectator won various awards at the 25^thGhana Journalists Association (GJA) awards night held on Saturday, October 24, at the Kempinski hotel in Accra.

The ceremony held under the theme, ‘COVID-19 and credible presidential and parliamentary elections: The media factor’, also saw the Editor of the Ghanaian Times, David Agbenu, recognised in the non-competitive category of the awards scheme, as an Outstanding Editor.

On the night, Raissa Sambou was adjudged the 2019 Most Promising Journalist of the Year, in addition to winning the Child Protection and Participation in the print category.

Best Sports Journalist of the Year, print category, went to John Vigah, with Clement Akapule winning Development Journalism for furthering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Also, Alberto Mario Norreti won the Best Crime and Court Reporter at the event.

Additionally, Daniel Nii Doodoo Amoo and Seth Adu Agyei, received special recognition as photojournalists.

About 67 awards were given to journalists and media houses in the country, with Newsfile host on Joy News, Samson Lardi Ayenini winning the coveted Journalist of the Year Award.

Graphic Communications Group, Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Ghana News Agency, Media General, Multimedia Group, Despite Group, Atinka Media Village, Ominibus Media and other media houses across the country were among winners on the night.

 The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA),Mr Affail Monney, said the association believed the media had a crucial role to play in ensuring credible elections at all times and that the COVID-19 pandemic must not deter the media.

“We, however, need the support of other election actors such as the Electoral Commission (EC), political parties, security agencies and civil society organisations to help us achieve credible elections in December.”

The Chairman of the National Media Commission (NMC),Mr Yaw Boadu-Ayeboafoh, said the media has an onerous task to inform voters about the various policies and campaign promises of the political parties ahead of the elections.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme