A1 Radio journalist Moses Apiah has been adjudged Overall Journalist of the Year at the 5th Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards.
Mr Apiah, who produces A1 Radio’s morning show, Day Break Upper East, emerged the overall winner after earlier picking up two category awards for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Reporting and Child Protection Reporting.
His recognition was based on two public-interest stories examining period poverty among girls in conflict-affected Bawku and the experiences of two siblings allegedly defiled and facing challenges in accessing justice.
A citation signed by Upper East Regional GJA Chairman Albert Sore praised Mr Apiah’s reporting for its depth, sensitivity and focus on vulnerable people.
“Your outstanding stories demonstrated exceptional journalistic excellence, courage, versatility and unwavering commitment to public-interest journalism that gives voice to some of the most vulnerable members of society,” the citation read.
Mr Apiah won the SRHR Reporting category with his documentary, “Period Poverty: Girls in Bawku Battle Bullets and Dreams,” which explored how conflict and poverty affect menstrual health and education among adolescent girls in Bawku.
“With sensitivity and compelling storytelling, the documentary brings to the fore an often-overlooked dimension of the challenges confronting girls in conflict-affected communities,” the GJA said.
His second story, “Crying for Justice: Two Siblings Defiled, Denied Justice,” earned him the Child Protection Reporting award.
The report examined the alleged sexual abuse of two siblings and the challenges encountered in seeking justice.
“You courageously confront the painful realities of child sexual abuse and the barriers to Justice faced by vulnerable children. The report demonstrates a strong commitment to accountability, child protection and the fundamental rights of victims,” the citation stated.
The GJA said the two reports demonstrated Mr Apiah’s ability to report across health, sexual and reproductive rights, child protection, conflict and social justice while maintaining a focus on public-interest journalism.
“Together, the two works demonstrate a journalist who is not only skilled in storytelling but also deeply committed to giving voice to the voiceless, exposing social injustice and using journalism as an instrument for positive change,” the citation said.
It added: “The depth and relevance of your reporting, the courage to tackle sensitive and difficult subjects, coupled with the quality of your storytelling reflects public-interest value of your work.”
The Association subsequently named Mr Apiah Overall Journalist of the Year.
After receiving the award, Mr Apiah thanked the GJA, his colleagues at A1 Radio, his sources and others who had supported his work.
He pledged to continue using journalism to amplify the experiences of marginalised communities and hold duty bearers accountable.
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