A six-time award-winning journalist with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Kweku Bolton has emerged as first runner-up for Best Mining Reporter Broadcast at the 9th Ghana Mining Industry Awards (GMIA), held in Accra.
He received prestigious awards for his exceptional documentary report titled “Local Content in Mining Sector: Remedy for Employment and Economic Growth”. The report clarifies the mining sector’s contributions to the economy.
Bolton’s in-depth documentary report critically analyses the responsibilities of mining companies especially employing local people, patronizing local goods and services and community development. The report also touched on responsible mining practices as well as environmental management among others.
Freelance journalist, Edem Srem clinched the second position in the broadcast category while Erastus Asare Donkor of multimedia emerged as the overall winner. Timothy Ngnenbe of Daily Graphic won the print category.
At the Best Female Mines of the Year technical, Ellen Serwaa Kontoh of AngloGold Ashanti Iduapriem mine emerged as the winner.
At the Best Performer in Occupational Health and Safety, Golden Star Wassa came top. Interplast Ghana won the Best Performer in Mine Supplies and Support Services while Best Performer in Contract Mining went to Engineers & Planners.
At the Best Performer in Exploration (Junior Category), Atlantic Lithium emerged tops with the Executive Vice President & Head, Gold Fields West Africa, Eric Asubonteng going home with the Mining Personality of the Year award while Newmont Golden Ridge, Akyem Mine was adjudged the Mining Company of the Year.
In all, about 65 winners both individuals and companies received awards for their excellent performance.
The Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Suleymanu Koney charged players in the mining value chain to ensure that the benefits of mining trickle down to citizens especially those in the catchment areas.
According to Engineer Joshua Mortoti, the Ghana Chamber of Mines is committed to supporting and promoting sustainable mining practices.
“We encourage innovation, research, and the implementation of technologies that minimise the environmental impact of mining. We also believe in engaging with local communities to create meaningful partnerships to foster socio-economic development and uplift the lives”.
Receiving the award Kweku Bolton said the award will strengthen him to work hard to serve the interest of the people. He urged media practitioners to hold on to the standards and ethics as well as the professionalism that set journalism apart from other professions.
He thanks God almighty for His abundant mercies and for how far He has brought us. ‘I sincerely want to acknowledge everyone who has supported me in my journalism journey; so far I am eternally grateful.
Specifically, let me use this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to Mr. George Wilson Kingson of GhanaNewsOnline, Madam Peggy Ama Donkor of GBC, Madam Aku Shika Akwei Deputy Director of TV, Mr. George Lomotey Director of TV, Mr. Nii Odatey Lamtey, Mr. Napoleon Ato Kitoe, Mr. Ben Kofi Blay, Rev. Edward Nyarko and Rev Anim Nketih, Director General of GBC and all GBC staff.” He thanks his family members for their support.
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So far, Kweku Bolton has won 6 awards. In November 2023, Bolton won a German Journalism Research Grant. In October 2023 GJA Awards him best Arts, Entertainment reporter of the year. In December 2023, he won Best Mining Reporter Broadcast at the 9th Ghana Mining Industry Awards (GMIA).
In 2022, Bolton won the MTN Maiden Bright Media Award with an outstanding report. He has also won Technology and multimedia awards. Bolton used to be known in the media as an investigative journalist.
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