The Northern Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has officially launched the 5th edition of its Regional Awards to celebrate excellence in journalism and motivate media practitioners to uphold the highest professional standards.
The event, held in Tamale, brought together journalists, education stakeholders, and representatives from partner organizations to deliberate on the crucial role of the media in promoting development through impactful reporting.
Speaking at the launch, the Northern Regional Chairman of the GJA, Mr. Yakubu Abdul-Majeed, stated that the annual awards serve as a platform to recognize and inspire outstanding journalists to uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.
This year’s awards are being held under the theme “Bridging the Rural-Urban Education Gap: The Role of the Media,” which underscores the vital responsibility of journalists in shaping public discourse and influencing education policies.
Mr. Abdul-Majeed emphasized that education remains the backbone of national development and called for collective efforts to bridge the gap between rural and urban schools, particularly at the basic level.
“As journalists, we assure that we will help to seek solutions to societal challenges as we report and highlight them,” he said.
He appealed to the Regional Coordinating Director and the Ghana Education Service to collaborate with the Association to address challenges affecting education delivery in the Northern Region.
Touching on the welfare of journalists, Mr. Abdul-Majeed reaffirmed the GJA’s commitment to improving working conditions and building the capacity of members through continuous training and partnerships.
He expressed appreciation to sponsors and partners including NEDCo, T-Tel, World Vision, ActionAid, Ghana Developing Communities Association (GDCA), Children Believe, and Baobab Microfinance Company for their consistent support.
Mr. Abdul-Majeed also appealed to the Northern Regional Minister and the Regional Coordinating Council to support the Association in organizing a memorable awards ceremony scheduled for November 15, 2025.
Meanwhile, the Northern Regional Minister, Mr. Adolf Ali John, expressed concern over the widening gap between urban and rural education in northern Ghana. He urged journalists to amplify issues affecting education in deprived communities and elevate them to the national conversation.
“The media must continue to highlight the challenges of rural education and draw the attention of policymakers to the urgent need for equity in educational development,” he said.
Mr. Ali John commended the GJA for choosing a theme that aligns with national priorities and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure and learning outcomes in rural areas.
According to the Regional Secretary, Mr. Albert Futukpor, entries for the 2025 Northern Regional GJA Awards are open to all journalists in the Northern and Savannah Regions, covering works published between January 1 and December 31, 2024.
Entries open on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, and close on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 6 p.m., with no extension of the deadline.
Award categories include Environmental Reporting, WASH, Education, Health, Tourism and Culture, Disability, Sports, Agriculture, Road Safety, Energy and Electricity, Peace and Conflict Sensitive Reporting, Videographer/Cameraperson of the Year, Most Promising Young Female Regional Journalist of the Year, and the Regional Journalist of the Year.
The Northern Regional GJA Awards continue to serve as a platform for promoting professionalism, excellence, and ethical journalism that contributes meaningfully to the development of the region and the nation at large.
Source: Ibrahim Angaangmeni Alhassan|Zaaghana.com
