The Western and Western North Regional branches of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) have launched the 2026 Media and Corporate Impact Awards, with Damang Gold Mine announced as the headline sponsor of the initiative aimed at promoting excellence in journalism and recognising corporate contributions to regional development.
The awards, launched in Takoradi under the theme “Reporting Progress, Investing in People,” will honour outstanding journalists whose reports have promoted accountability, transparency and socio-economic development in the Western and Western North Regions between June 2025 to July 2026.
The initiative also introduces the Corporate Impact Awards to recognise organisations making significant investments in community development and corporate social responsibility.
The Western Regional Chairman of the GJA, Desmond Cudjoe, said journalism remains a vital bridge between development and the people, stressing that informed citizens are better positioned to hold leaders accountable.
He called for greater investment in journalists through improved welfare, safety, training and professional development, noting that strengthening the media ultimately strengthens democracy and national development.
Chairman for the occasion, Nana Ntebuah Pra IV, the Divisional Chief of Himan-Prestea and former practicing journalist, urged stakeholders to address the challenges confronting journalists, including poor working conditions and attacks on media practitioners.
He noted that the continued attacks on journalists is gradually making the profession unattractive despite its importance to Ghana’s democracy.
Nana Ntebuah Prah also encouraged media owners to invest in the professional growth of their staff while urging journalists, particularly those in the digital media space, to uphold accuracy, fairness and responsible reporting.
The launch attracted representatives of state institutions, traditional authorities, corporate organisations, civil society groups and development partners, who reaffirmed the critical role of the media in promoting transparency, accountability and inclusive development.
The Western Regional Police Command PRO, Chief Superintendents Olivia Adiku who graced the launch assured of the Ghana Police’s commitment to the protection of journalists in their line of work. The 2026 Western Regional GJA Awards which is scheduled to take place on September 5 in Takoradi has 10 categories to be recognised and six honorary awards.
The competitive awards will cover categories including infrastructure, fisheries, cocoa and agriculture, oil, gas and energy, environment, education, sports, health, crime and legal affairs, business and labour, gender and social inclusion, among others.
Entries are open to journalistic works produced between June 2025 and July 2026.
The Association expressed appreciation to all sponsors, partners and stakeholders for supporting the initiative, with special recognition to Damang Gold Mine, whose headline sponsorship has made the 2026 Media and Corporate Impact Awards possible.
According to the GJA, the partnership underscores the mining company’s commitment to media excellence, responsible corporate citizenship and sustainable community development across the Western and Western North Regions.
Read Also:
Ayariga defends closed-door BoG briefing, accuses Minority of seeking publicity
