On the 5th of August in Accra, Ghana, leading child protection organization in the cocoa sector, International Cocoa Initiative, presented a cheque of GHS 10,000 to support the 2016 Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards.
The awards ceremony, which has become GJA’s flagship event, begins on August 27, 2016 at the Banquet Hall, State House, and seeks to reward hard-working journalists in the year under review.
Presenting the cheque at a short ceremony at the International Press Centre in Accra yesterday, Programme Coordinator at ICI Ghana, Prince Gyamfi, explained that ICI was very excited to be supporting the 21st Annual GJA awards.
He said the donation will support the Best Rural Reporting with Focus on Ending Worst Forms of Child Labour category.
In his speech he emphasised that the theme chosen is in acknowledgement of the need for stronger collaboration between the media and civil society, to promote a rational and credible coverage of the election.
Gyamfi added that as gatekeepers, the media must remain consistently neutral to help sanitize and stimulate dialogue on ending child labour. He encouraged them to ensure coverage reflects the practicalities, successes and challenges of cocoa growing communities while also highlighting the plight of children.
Gyamfi further urged GJA to continue to hold its members to higher professional and ethical standards, by being both balanced and fair in their news reportage.
Gyamfi took the opportunity to share with the GJA and media, ICI’s 2015 Annual Report which highlights their activities and achievements.
Receiving the cheque and annual report on behalf of GJA, President of GJA, Dr. Affail Monney, appreciated the contributions of ICI and celebrated its quest to support the recognition of higher professional and ethical standards. He thanked ICI for coming on board and helping to celebrate responsible journalism in the country.
In the attendance of the President, John Dramani Mahama, the 21st GJA Awards will honour over 30 outstanding journalists in Ghana.