Caroline Abisiku, a student of Bolgatanga Technical University, has been crowned Student Journalist of the Year at the recently held 4th Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards.
Speaking after receiving the award, Abisiku said the recognition came as both a surprise and a proud moment.
“When my name was announced, I was honestly in shock for a few seconds, then it sank in, and I felt incredibly proud and grateful,” she said. “Winning Student Journalist of the Year felt like a reward for all the long nights, fieldwork, and persistence that went into every story I told. It reminds me that passion and consistency truly pay off.”
Abisiku shared that her love for journalism began with curiosity and a desire to understand the world around her. Despite financial challenges, she pursued her dream with determination.
“Looking at my background and how expensive it is to enroll in a journalism school, I nearly gave up on my dreams until I met Nicholas Azebire of Dreams FM, who encouraged me to enroll at Bolgatanga Technical University to study Public Relations and Media. Now, I can see myself walking the path to my career,” she said.
One of her most impactful stories focused on female students who combine education with entrepreneurship to support themselves on campus. She said the story inspired her because of the resilience of the young women she interviewed.
“The main challenge was getting some of them to open up about their struggles, especially financial hardships and societal pressure. I had to approach the story with empathy and patience,” she explained.
Abisiku described student journalism as an authentic and passionate field that gives voice to young people and community issues.
“Unlike mainstream journalism, which often focuses on national issues, student journalism brings attention to the everyday experiences that shape young people’s lives,” she said.
She also credited her lecturers and peers for their support and guidance. “My lecturers have been my biggest motivators. They not only taught me theory but also challenged me to apply it in the field. I also owe a lot to my peers who inspired me through collaboration and healthy competition,” she added.
On challenges faced by young female journalists, Caroline said credibility and access to resources remain major obstacles.
“As a young woman in journalism, you often have to work twice as hard to be taken seriously. There’s also the issue of limited platforms to share our stories widely,” she noted.
Looking ahead, Caroline said the award has strengthened her resolve to pursue journalism that empowers and inspires change.
“This award has given me even more motivation to keep pursuing journalism. I want to focus on stories about youth, women, and community development. My goal is to use journalism as a tool for advocacy and positive change,” she stated.
This year’s awards was on the theme: “Upholding Public Trust: The Role of the Media in Promoting Accountable Governance in the Upper East Region.”
The event had support from WaterAid Ghana under the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project, Paga Youth Movement, Cardinal Namdini Mining Company Ltd, Kacstone Records, Ghana Shippers’ Authority, and Rural Initiatives for Self-Empowerment (RISE) Ghana.
The others were MTN Ghana, Endswell Pharmacy, Development Research and Advocacy Center (DRAC), Earl International Group Gold Ghana Ltd, Physioshop Production Center (PPC) Paga, Widows and Orphans Movement (WOM), and Ghana Hotels Association – Upper East Region Branch.
The rest were Adonai Sports Management, UK, Ghana Tourism Authority, Atiamah Catering Services; Blue Sky Hotel; Bolga Technical University; ICOUR, and Mozak Multimedia Services
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Mark Kwasi Ahumah Smith|Bolgatanga
