A1 Radio journalist Moses Apiah says describing himself as a “rural journalist” is a constant reminder of his responsibility to bring greater attention to people and communities whose experiences are often overlooked in mainstream development conversations.
Reflecting on his recognition as Journalist of the Year at the 5th Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, Mr Apiah said the description is not merely a professional identity but a reminder of the purpose behind his journalism.
“Often, I called myself a rural journalist not for the beauty of it, but as an amplifier to remind myself the role I ought to, and should, to uplift the voice of the voiceless in society,” he said.
Mr Apiah said working in rural communities had exposed him to people whose concerns and experiences do not always receive adequate public attention, shaping his approach to reporting.
He said one of the most important lessons he had learned throughout his career was the need to place people’s lived experiences at the centre of stories about development and public policy.
Mr Apiah credited experienced journalists, including Albert Sore of JoyNews, Williams Jalulah of The Fourth Estate and Edward Adeti of Media Without Borders, with contributing to his development as a journalist.
According to him, the guidance he received from his mentors reinforced the importance of ensuring that official accounts of development do not overshadow the experiences of the people directly affected by policies and social challenges.
That approach, he said, has influenced his reporting on health, child protection, conflict, sexual and reproductive health and other social issues affecting communities across the Upper East Region.
Mr Apiah said receiving the Journalist of the Year award had strengthened his resolve to continue reporting on issues affecting rural and underserved communities.
The 5th Upper East Regional GJA Awards were supported by MyTurn Constructions Limited and Lesken Enterprise Limited as headline sponsors, with Kacstones Records and Paga Youth Movement as main sponsors.
Other supporters included WaterAid Ghana, ActionAid Ghana, NorthLite Solar Limited and Alaffia/BBI.
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