The Upper East Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Sore, has called on businesses, public institutions and individuals to support the 5th Upper East Regional GJA Awards, describing such support as an investment in quality journalism rather than simply funding an awards ceremony.
Mr. Sore said the association is seeking partnerships that would not only recognise outstanding journalists but also provide resources to strengthen their work and support journalism development in the region.
Speaking at the launch of the 2026 awards in Bolgatanga, he appealed to corporate institutions, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies, Members of Parliament, development organisations, traditional authorities, businesses and individuals to support the event.
Mr. Sore said resources mobilised would help cover the cost of organising the awards, including the venue, dinner, accommodation, plaques and prizes for winners.
He said the GJA particularly wants prizes for award winners to go beyond symbolic recognition and, where possible, include cash, equipment or other resources that could help journalists improve their work.
Any resources remaining after the awards, he said, would be channelled into other activities of the regional GJA, including training and capacity-building programmes for young journalists and other initiatives aimed at strengthening journalism.
Mr. Sore said sponsors would also receive visibility before, during and after the awards through the association’s communication and promotional activities, depending on the level of support provided.
He stressed, however, that the value of supporting the awards goes beyond publicity for sponsors.
According to him, supporting the awards provides institutions and businesses with an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to credible journalism, transparency, accountability and the development of the Upper East Region.
Mr. Sore also acknowledged WaterAid Ghana for supporting the regional awards over the past three editions through the SHARE Project.
He said this year’s theme reflects the importance of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) to healthcare and challenges journalists to produce stories that go beyond identifying problems to investigating their causes, demanding accountability and following efforts to address them.
The 5th Upper East Regional GJA Awards are scheduled for October 2, 2026, under the theme, “Beyond the Headlines: The Media’s Role in Promoting WASH for Safe Motherhood and Quality Healthcare.”
A1 Radio | 101.1 Mhz | Moses Anaba Azubire | Bolgatanga
