Ashanti GJA Excellence Awards Launch with New Kofi Badu Veteran Category and Inclusive Entry Rules

The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has officially launched the 2025 Ashanti GJA Excellence Awards, headlined by the introduction of a new category honoring veteran journalist Kofi Badu. In a significant move to ensure broad participation, the association announced that the awards are open to all media professionals operating within the region, regardless of their formal membership status. This decision comes as the GJA seeks to celebrate professional excellence while navigating internal administrative reforms that have complicated membership registration at the national level.

Central to this year’s ceremony is the debut of the "Kofi Badu Veteran Award," a special category designed to recognize the lifelong contributions of seasoned journalists to Ghana’s media landscape. Mr. Badu himself has been nominated for an honorary award in recognition of his distinguished and impactful career. Under the theme "Celebrating Excellence, Championing Credibility: Journalism in the Age of AI," a six-member planning committee will oversee the distribution of 15 awards. These accolades will span diverse sectors, including Sports and Education, focusing on works published between January 1 and December 31, 2025.

Ashanti GJA Chairman, Kofi Adu Domfeh, emphasized the importance of inclusivity during the launch event. Addressing potential barriers to entry, Domfeh noted that while national reforms have caused some registration hurdles, the regional branch remains committed to recognizing talent across the board. Applications for the awards are scheduled to open on September 9, 2026, providing a platform for journalists to showcase their impact. The initiative aims to maintain high standards of credibility and ethics, particularly as the industry grapples with the transformative influence of artificial intelligence on news production and verification.

Beyond the awards ceremony, the GJA is making significant strides in infrastructure through the development of the Regional Press Centre project in Kumasi. The Asantehene has provided land for the construction of this facility, which is envisioned as a hub for professional development and media collaboration. With contributions already being welcomed from financial institutions and private individuals, the project represents a long-term investment in the regional media ecosystem. This dual focus on celebrating past achievements through the Kofi Badu award and building for the future underscores the GJA’s commitment to strengthening the fourth estate in the Ashanti Region.