By – Sadat Dabo

Three journalists from the Upper East Region have made a remarkable mark at the 30th National Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, bringing national recognition to the region’s media landscape

The award-winning journalists are Tiroog Gilbert Azeem of the Daily Graphic, Abaa Moses Apiah of A1 Radio in Bolgatanga, and Nicholas Azebire of Dreamz FM, Bolgatanga, who were recognised for their outstanding contributions to journalism in their respective fields

At the prestigious ceremony held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Palms Convention Centre of the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, the three journalists emerged among the country’s distinguished media practitioners honoured for excellence in journalism

Gilbert Azeem Tiroog was adjudged the National Best Online Features Writer, earning recognition for his work in online feature journalism

Abaa Moses Apiah of A1 Radio secured two national honours, emerging as the National Best Health Reporter and Most Promising Journalist of the Year

His double achievement represents a significant milestone for the Bolgatanga-based radio station and reinforces the growing influence of regional radio journalists in Ghana’s national media space

Nicholas Azebire of Dreamz FM was also named the National Best Disability Reporter, recognising his work in disability reporting and the promotion of issues affecting persons with disabilities

The achievements of the three journalists highlight the growing prominence of Upper East-based media practitioners and demonstrate that outstanding journalism from the regions can compete successfully on the national stage

A Night of Excellence, Media Freedom and National Recognition

The 30th GJA Media Awards were held under the theme: “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age.”

The milestone edition celebrated the contributions of journalists and media organisations to Ghana’s democratic governance, national cohesion, accountability and socio-economic development

The ceremony brought together journalists, media executives, government officials, traditional rulers, corporate leaders and other distinguished personalities

President John Dramani Mahama attended as the Special Guest of Honour and keynote speaker, while the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, chaired the event

The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, patron of the GJA Media Awards, was represented by Nana Kwame Baffoe IV, the Nkoranzamanhene

Other national personalities recognised for their contributions to public service, leadership, security, entrepreneurship and national development included Speaker of Parliament Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, former President John Agyekum Kufuor, Chief of Staff Dr Julius Debrah, Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohonu, KGL Group Executive Chairman Alex Apau Dadey, Tobinco Group Executive Chairman Nana Amo Tobin, and Special Ice Company Chief Executive Officer Ernest Ofori Sarpong

Philip Osei Bonsu Takes Journalist of the Year

One of the major highlights of the night was the presentation of the prestigious GJA/P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year Award to Philip Osei Bonsu, popularly known as O.B., of Asempa FM

O.B., who hosts the station’s flagship current affairs programme, Ekosiisen, was recognised for his outstanding contribution to journalism

His recognition was particularly significant as the Journalist of the Year award remains the highest individual honour presented by the Ghana Journalists Association

Asempa FM’s Ekosiisen also received recognition as the Best Radio Programme of the Year in the Ghanaian Language category

Other Major Winners

The 30th GJA Media Awards also recognised outstanding journalists and media organisations across various categories

Among the notable winners were:

• Philip Osei Bonsu (O.B.) – Asempa FM: GJA/P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year
• Godwin Asediba – TV3/Media General: Best Television Documentary for Hooked on Red
• Stanley Nii Blewu – 3News/TV3: Best in Education Reporting
• Christian Yalley – TV3: Best Road Safety Reporter
• Clinton Yeboah – Luv FM/Multimedia Group: Best Radio Feature
• Esther Aidoo – GBC: Bank of Ghana Governor’s Economic and Financial Story of the Year
• Doreen Ampofo – GBC: Best in Radio Documentaries
• Prince Ghalley – GBC: Best Photojournalist of the Year
• Kweku Bolton – GBC: Best Crime and Court Reporter
• Jennifer Frimpong-Wiredu – GBC/UniMAC: Best Student Journalist of the Year

The awards also recognised Radio Ghana’s programme Behind the News

The 30th GJA Media Awards considered journalistic productions published in 2025

According to the Awards Committee, chaired by Kobby Asmah, a former Daily Graphic Editor and Commissioner of the National Media Commission, the committee received 327 entries from 206 applicants

A total of 326 entries were assessed across six divisions: print, television, radio, online, digital and new media

The assessment process, which took place between October 7 and October 27, 2026, applied a 10-point evaluation framework covering accuracy, factual integrity, newsworthiness, ethical standards, public impact, originality, clarity, depth of research, balance and technical quality

The committee required entries to attain a minimum score of 70 per cent to qualify for an award

The assessment culminated in 36 citations across the various award categories

Upper East Media Community Celebrates National Recognition

The recognition of Gilbert Azeem Tiroog, Abaa Moses Apiah and Nicholas Azebire at the national awards is expected to inspire journalists across the Upper East Region to continue producing impactful, credible and public-interest journalism

Their achievements further underscore the importance of regional media in shaping national discourse, promoting accountability, highlighting development challenges and giving voice to marginalised communities

For A1 Radio and Dreamz FM in Bolgatanga, as well as the Daily Graphic’s regional journalism, the honours represent a significant boost to their commitment to professional excellence

The 30th GJA Media Awards have once again demonstrated that journalism from Ghana’s regions remains a vital force in the country’s media development and democratic advancement

Source – gbcuraonline.com