The Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) will tonight honour outstanding media practitioners and media organisations at the 2026 Ashanti Media Excellence Awards, an event expected to bring together leading personalities from the media, politics and public institutions.
The awards ceremony, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, will take place at the Longford Event Centre at Odeneho Kwadaso in Kumasi, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The event is expected to attract prominent dignitaries, including the Ashanti Regional Minister, Dr. Frank Amoakohene; the Director-General of the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC), Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey; and the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa, Hon. Patricia Appiagyei.
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, and the Chairman of the GJA in the Ashanti Region, Mr. Kofi Adu Domfeh, are also expected to grace the occasion.
The ceremony is aimed at recognising journalists and media organisations whose work has demonstrated professionalism, creativity, dedication and commitment to the public interest.
AI AND JOURNALISM
This year’s edition is being held under the theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Championing Credibility: Journalism in the Age of AI.”
The theme highlights the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on journalism and the need for media practitioners to maintain professional standards amid rapid technological changes in news gathering, production and distribution.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming part of the modern newsroom, providing tools that can assist journalists with research, transcription, data analysis and content production.
However, its growing use has also intensified concerns about misinformation, fabricated content, accuracy and the potential erosion of public confidence in the media.
The choice of theme therefore places renewed emphasis on the responsibility of journalists to uphold ethical standards, verify information and ensure that technological innovation does not undermine the credibility of their work.
As media organisations adapt to the changing digital environment, the awards are expected to draw attention to the importance of combining innovation with responsible journalism.
The central message is that while technology can improve newsroom efficiency, professional judgement, independent verification and accountability must remain fundamental to credible reporting.
REWARDING EXCELLENCE
The Ashanti Media Excellence Awards form part of efforts to recognise and reward media practitioners and organisations whose contributions have strengthened journalism in the region.
The awards seek to celebrate excellence in media practice while encouraging journalists to uphold the values of accuracy, fairness, professionalism and service to the public.
Beyond the recognition of individual achievements, the ceremony is expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the contribution of the media to public education, accountability and democratic governance.
The presence of government officials, political representatives and institutional leaders is also expected to underscore the importance of constructive engagement between the media and other sectors of society.
For journalists operating in an increasingly competitive media environment, recognition of professional achievement can serve as an incentive to improve the quality of reporting and maintain public confidence in the profession.
The AI theme adds another dimension to this year’s ceremony, drawing attention to the need for journalists to develop the skills required to navigate emerging technologies without compromising the principles that distinguish professional journalism from unverified information circulating online.
NOTABLE PERSONALITIES
Among the dignitaries expected at the ceremony is Dr. Frank Amoakohene, the Ashanti Regional Minister, whose presence is expected to highlight the relationship between public administration and the media in the region.
Major General Maxwell Obuba Mantey, Director-General of NACOC, is also expected to attend, alongside Hon. Patricia Appiagyei, the Deputy Minority Leader and Member of Parliament for Asokwa.
The attendance of Mr. Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, GJA President, is expected to bring national leadership representation to the regional awards ceremony.
Mr. Kofi Adu Domfeh, Chairman of the GJA Ashanti Region, is also expected to join fellow journalists and invited guests to celebrate the achievements of media practitioners in the region.
The gathering is expected to provide a platform for members of the media fraternity and other stakeholders to renew their commitment to credible journalism and professional excellence.
SPONSORS, VENUE
The programme is supported by Clearpac, Jofel, Longford Royal Centre and Logeist.
The ceremony will be held at the Longford Event Centre, Odeneho Kwadaso, Kumasi, with proceedings scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m.
Attendance is strictly by invitation, while enquiries and RSVP arrangements can be made through 0244541952.
The 2026 edition is expected to celebrate professional accomplishments while reinforcing the need for credible, ethical and responsible journalism at a time when technological developments continue to reshape the media landscape.
