Multiple award-winning journalist Kweku Bolton of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) has been adjudged Best Crime and Court Reporter at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards.
His winning entry, titled “Under The Night Shadow”, was recognised for its contribution to public safety and justice. The impactful and courageous story sheds light on events that often remain out of public view, underscoring the role of crime and court reporting in promoting accountability and understanding of the rule of law. The GJA described the report as excellent.
The award was presented by the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Christian Tetteh Yohuno.
The 30th anniversary edition of the awards was held at the Palms Convention Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra, under the theme: “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age.”
The awards covered journalistic work published in 2025. The awards committee, chaired by Mr Kobby Asmah, assessed 327 entries submitted by 206 applicants and selected 36 winners.
Dignitaries from government and corporate Ghana attended the ceremony.
President John Dramani Mahama, a member of the GJA, was the special guest of honour and keynote speaker. Also in attendance were the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, patron of the GJA, state ministers and the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, who chaired the ceremony. Others included the Governor of the Bank of Ghana, Dr Johnson Asiama, Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, and the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, as well as representatives of international organisations.
Honorary awards
The GJA also presented honorary awards to several distinguished personalities.
Recipients included Inspector-General of Police Christian Tetteh Yohuno; the Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin; Tobinco Group founder Nana Amo Tobbin I; and Special Group CEO and UniMAC Chancellor, Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong.
Former President John Agyekum Kufuor was honoured for his role in advancing press freedom. The Minority Leader, Alexander Afenyo-Markin, received the award on his behalf.
Others honoured were the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah – whose award was received by Seth Terkper; KGL Group Executive Chairman, Alex Dadey; and the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II.
‘To serve without fear or favour’
In his acceptance remarks, Mr Bolton thanked God for his journey in journalism and said the recognition would spur him on to work harder in the public interest.
“According to Kweku Bolton the award will strengthen him to work hard to serve the interests of the people without fear or favour,” he said, urging media practitioners to uphold professional standards and ethics.
“I believe this recognition will also inspire others to serve humanity consistently. I am grateful to God and to everyone who has supported me.”
He expressed appreciation to the Director-General of GBC, Prof Amin Alhassan, and to colleagues including Alwell York, Head of News at GBC News, Adina Sowa, Sarah Ofori, Jerry Derka, Madam Peggy Ama Donkor, Madam Aku Shika, Director of TV, Mr George Lomotey, Director of Marketing, Mr Nii Odatey Lamptey, Mr Napoleon Ato Kitoe, Mr Ben Kofi Blay, Rev Edward Nyarko, Rev Anim Nketiah, all GBC staff, and his family.
Mr Bolton has now won nine journalism awards.
