A1 Radio journalist David Azure has won two awards at the 5th Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, including Most Promising Journalist of the Year.
Mr Azure, lead producer of A1 Radio’s major news bulletin, News Link, was also adjudged Best Journalist in Water and Sanitation for his reporting on waste management challenges in Bolgatanga.
Both recognitions were anchored on his story, “Bolgatanga Residents, Officials Trade Blame as Waste Crisis Deepens,” which examined the sanitation situation from the perspectives of residents, municipal authorities and other stakeholders.
A citation signed by Upper East Regional GJA Chairman Albert Sore said the report examined the public health, environmental and governance dimensions of the waste management challenges confronting Bolgatanga.
“For your compelling reporting on the worsening sanitation crisis in Bolgatanga through your story, ‘Bolgatanga Residents, Officials Trade Blame as Waste Crisis Deepens,’ which brings together the perspectives of residents, municipal authorities and other stakeholders while exposing the public-health, environmental and governance implications of the waste crisis,” the citation read.
“The Upper East Regional GJA recognises you, David Azure of A1 Radio, as the Best Journalist in Water and Sanitation for demonstrating depth, balance and commitment to reporting issues of critical public interest.”
The GJA also cited the same report in naming Mr Azure Most Promising Journalist of the Year.
“For your strong community-focused reporting and your ability to pursue issues of public interest with depth, balance and initiative, particularly through your story, ‘Bolgatanga Residents, Officials Trade Blame as Waste Crisis Deepens,’ which examines the complex sanitation challenges confronting the Bolgatanga community,” the citation stated.
“The Upper East Regional GJA adjudges you, David Azure of A1 Radio, as the Most Promising Journalist of the Year for demonstrating curiosity, initiative, balanced reporting and a strong commitment to public-service journalism.”
Reacting to the recognition, Mr Azure said he viewed the two awards as motivation to continue reporting on issues affecting communities.
“At the 5th Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, I was honoured to be adjudged Best Water and Sanitation Reporter of the Year and Most Promising Journalist of the Year. I see this recognition not as an arrival, but as a call to do more and to keep telling the stories of our communities and giving voice to the vulnerable. These awards are only the starting point of the journey,” he said.
He also thanked his family, friends and senior colleagues in the media for supporting his work.
“My heartfelt appreciation to my family, friends, and senior colleagues in the media fraternity for your unwavering support,” he said.
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Bolgatanga
