In a landmark moment for Ghanaian journalism, Godwin Asediba, a fearless investigative journalist at Media General (MG), has been named a winner of the 2025 Michael Elliott Award for Excellence in African Storytelling, presented by the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ), the ONE Campaign, and the Elliott family.
Asediba becomes the first Ghanaian ever to receive this prestigious award, joining a distinguished group of African journalists whose work has shaped public discourse and driven social change across the continent.
He earned this international recognition for his powerful documentary that peeled back the layers on Ghana’s mortuaries, exposing the harrowing and dehumanizing conditions endured by mortuary workers, people who live in silence and service behind the scenes of life and death. The story sparked national conversation and amplified calls for reform in an often-overlooked sector of public health.
As part of the award, Asediba will receive a cash prize and embark on a two-week in-person internship with The Economist in London, a rare opportunity that will allow him to learn from global journalism leaders and refine his storytelling craft on the international stage. He will also attend an in-person awards ceremony in London in June.
Godwin Asediba’s journey has been one of bold conviction and relentless courage. At Media General, one of Ghana’s leading media houses, he doesn’t just report the news. He runs toward it, often into uncomfortable and dangerous places, driven by the belief that journalism is not just about informing the public but transforming lives.
His body of work includes ground-breaking investigations into child labor, education inequality, trafficking, and public healthcare failings. He has been the voice for the voiceless and the lens through which forgotten communities find visibility.
Over the years, he has received multiple national and international awards, including three national journalism awards and international honors for stories that brought real-world change. Whether it is children risking their lives for gold instead of attending school, or hidden challenges in healthcare systems, Asediba’s storytelling is both intimate and impactful.
What sets him apart is his ability to carve out a daring niche in investigative journalism, often going where few dare to go, uncovering the buried, the broken, and the hidden. He combines empathy with fearless inquiry, creating stories that don’t just expose injustice but push for reform.
In response to the award, Asediba stated: “This recognition belongs, first and foremost, to the fearless mortuary workers who opened their world to me. I carry their voices with me and hope this spotlight drives the urgent reforms they so desperately deserve.
Being the first Ghanaian to win this award comes with a greater responsibility to do more and create deeper impact. Knowing that my work is making a difference gives me immense satisfaction as a journalist”.
He also expressed gratitude to God, his team at Media General, his supportive family, and all those who encourage him to keep pushing forward, even when the journey gets tough.
This win is not a destination but a milestone in a journey that continues. Asediba remains committed to telling stories that matter, especially the ones no one else dares to tell. With his voice, the unseen are seen, and the unheard are finally heard.
The truth matters. And Godwin Asediba will keep telling it.
