The 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, in Kumasi, was a significant event celebrating journalistic excellence and professionalism in Ghana. Under the theme “Safeguarding Ghana’s future: the role of the media in promoting peace, security and the fight against galamsey,” the ceremony brought together prominent figures including media practitioners, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, President John Dramani Mahama, other government officials, and industry stakeholders to acknowledge outstanding contributions to journalism.

One of the evening's highlights was JoySports journalist Muftawu Nabila Abdulai being named the 2025 Sports Journalist of the Year. This prestigious honour marked his second consecutive win, having first received the award at the 28th GJA Awards in September 2024. Muftawu, a presenter and producer with JoyNews and JoySports, was recognized for his outstanding work across television, radio, and digital platforms, praised for his in-depth storytelling, investigative features, and dedication to promoting integrity and development within sports journalism. His back-to-back victories solidify his reputation as a leading and influential voice in Ghana’s contemporary sports media landscape.

Another journalist from The Multimedia Group Limited, Ohemeng Tawiah of Luv Fm, was honoured as the Best Illegal Mining Reporter. His award-winning report, “Last Hour Illegal Mining Attacks on Forest Reserves Ahead of Elections,” was lauded for its deep research, compelling narrative, and the courage it demonstrated in uncovering sensitive illegal mining operations. Aired on JoyNews, Mr. Tawiah's report exposed how illegal miners invaded forest reserves, destroying vegetation and water bodies, and critically, revealed the link between these illegal activities and political processes, especially during election periods. The GJA awards panel commended his professionalism and commitment to factual reporting, noting his immense contribution to the national discourse on environmental preservation and sustainable development, and he was specifically named Best Illegal Mining TV Reporter, underscoring his visual storytelling skills.

Clinton Yeboah, also of Luv Fm under The Multimedia Group Limited, secured his second consecutive Best Student Journalist award. Last year, he was recognized for his insightful student journalism while at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). This year, his investigative piece, “The Cost Barrier: Underfunded NHIS Leaves Patients Stranded at Hospitals,” earned him the accolade, acknowledged for its professionalism, clarity, and social impact in highlighting the challenges Ghanaians face in accessing healthcare due to National Health Insurance Scheme gaps. His consistent talent reflects both his personal dedication and The Multimedia Group's commitment to nurturing young media talent.

During the ceremony, GJA President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour made a significant call to Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, urging him to leverage his moral authority and influence to support the national campaign against illegal mining, or “galamsey.” Mr. Dwumfour emphasized the vital role of both traditional and political leadership in safeguarding Ghana’s natural resources. He further advocated for strengthened oversight, decisive lawful measures to curb environmental crimes and corruption, and the creation of robust legal frameworks with stricter penalties and special courts for galamsey-related cases to ensure swift justice and deterrence. The GJA President reaffirmed the Association's commitment to supporting any just and lawful measures for environmental protection and democratic institutions, encouraging sustained collaboration among government, traditional leaders, civil society, and the media.

The GJA also took a moment to express sympathy and solidarity with journalists injured in a recent road accident on Thursday, November 6, while covering illegal mining activities with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) in the Ashanti Region. The accident, which occurred near Afari in the Atwima Nwabiagya District, was a painful reminder of the inherent risks journalists undertake. GJA President Dwumfour led guests in observing a minute of silence and wished the injured colleagues a speedy recovery, assuring them of the GJA's support for medical care. He appealed to individuals and corporate organizations for assistance, including insurance packages for journalists exposed to such hazards, and urged the Ghana Police Service to enhance the safety of journalists, particularly those on high-risk assignments involving security and environmental stories.

The 29th GJA Media Awards served as a powerful reaffirmation of the Ghana Journalists Association's dedication to encouraging journalists to diligently and objectively cover critical national issues such as illegal mining, corruption, education, and governance. The ceremony underscored the power of journalism to inspire change, promote national development, and hold institutions accountable, celebrating professionals who exemplify truth, courage, and service to society.