Ghanaian media personality, George Quaye

Prominent Ghanaian media personality and playwright, George Quaye, has called out a certain awards scheme for demanding payment in exchange for receiving recognition.

In a post on Facebook on May 21, 2025, George Quaye recounted the experience, stating how he rejected the award because organisers insisted he pays for a table to receive it.

“You say I’ve won an award, so I should come and pay for a table. I ask if I can get my award without paying for a table, and you say no. I say thank you… Take your award. You bore… Mboasem!” he wrote.

He further expressed frustration at what he sees as a growing trend among awards show organisers.

George Quaye followed the rant with a direct notice to all award schemes, stating, “Notice to all awards show organisers! Please if there will be any form of payment, either for a chair, table, spoon, food or drink, the plaque itself, the music, the venue or any other thing, please do not nominate me! Twa!”

His post echoed concerns shared by other creatives about "pay-to-win" award schemes, where awards are used as revenue-generating tools rather than as genuine forms of recognition.

ID/EB