Media General’s Godwin Asediba has expreesed deep appreciation to the Ghana Journlaists Association for adjudgeing him the PAV Ansah Journalist of the Year 2024.
Asediba, who could not attend the event, said in a statement read by his colleague, George Kwaning, ” Tonight, I stand deeply humbled.”
The ultimate journalism award in Ghana, being bestowed on him at a time Godwin is interning at the BBC for winning the Komla Dumor Award, serves as the icing on the cake for him.
“To be named Journalist of the Year affirms the power of truth and journalism’s vital role in Ghana’s democracy. This award belongs to every reporter who chooses courage over comfort. My journey has led me to hopeless places where ordinary people bear extraordinary pain, waiting to be heard.
In neglected communities, I’ve seen Ghana yearning for fairness. Investigative journalism means long nights, unanswered calls, and the risk of losing everything, but truth must prevail,” he noted.
On the same night, Godwin also took home the Best Documentary (TV) award.
READ FULL STATEMENT BELOW:
His Majesty, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, His Excellency the president, John Dramani Mahama, distinguished guests, Honourable Ministers, members of the Ghana Journalists Association, colleagues, friends, and family, good evening.
I fought hard to be here for this moment, even after my connecting flight was cancelled. As you all may know, I have been in London, serving my BBC stint following my win of this year’s Komla Dumor Award.
Tonight, I stand deeply humbled.
To be named Journalist of the Year affirms the power of truth and journalism’s vital role in Ghana’s democracy. This award belongs to every reporter who chooses courage over comfort.
My journey has led me to hopeless places where ordinary people bear extraordinary pain, waiting to be heard. In neglected communities, I’ve seen Ghana yearning for fairness. Investigative journalism means long nights, unanswered calls, and the risk of losing everything, but truth must prevail.
Yet, as we celebrate, we cannot ignore the harassment our profession faces. Days ago, journalists were injured in a road accident while covering illegal mining with the EPA in the Ashanti Region.
These attacks assault democracy itself. When journalists are silenced, corruption thrives.
Past governments have fought galamsey, but lost lives, including the unforgettable helicopter crash, demand priority action.
No story is worth a life, but no society is safe when truth is buried. We need stronger protection, accountability, and outrage when journalists are harmed.
A free press must be protected in practice, not just law.
To my TV3 team, editors, mentors, and colleagues—thank you for holding the line.
To my family, especially my prayer warrior mother, Ama Yeboah Asediba,this is yours too.
To Ghanaians who trust me with your truths, this honour is yours.
Ghana’s journalism future depends on fearless questioning, ethical reporting, and humane storytelling.
Young journalists, never let fear silence your pen or convenience buy your conscience. Truth outlasts intimidation.
I carry the voiceless and Ghana’s belief in journalism’s difference.
Thank you, Ghana Journalists Association.
Thank you, brave journalists.
Thank you, Ghana, for believing in truth.
