For the first time in the history of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards, two of Ghana's most prominent traditional rulers will share the spotlight at the same event.
While the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, serves as Patron of the event, the Ga Mantse, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, will chair the 30th anniversary edition of the prestigious awards event.
The historic pairing was confirmed last Friday when the GJA President, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, led a GJA national executive delegation to the Ga Mantse's palace at Kaneshie, Accra, to formally invite him to chair the ceremony, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 7 this year, at the Accra International Conference Centre’s Grand Arena.
Dignitaries
High-profile personalities expected at the 30th GJA Awards include President John Dramani Mahama, a member of the association who has confirmed his attendance as Special Guest of Honour and keynote speaker.
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, and the Chief Justice, Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie, have also assured the association of their presence.
The GJA delegation included its Vice-President, Rebecca Ekpe; the General Secretary, Dominic Hlordzi; the National Organiser, Mustapha Suleimana, and the National Treasurer, Bertha Badu-Agyei.
This year's awards mark 30 years since the GJA instituted the scheme to reward excellence in journalism.
Mr Dwumfour described the anniversary as "historic and memorable", noting that three decades in the life of any institution "is not a fluke".
In selecting a chairperson for the landmark edition, the GJA settled on the Ga Mantse, citing his long-standing support for the association — including his mediation of a crippling 2021 election dispute that had stalled the GJA's national polls for nearly a year.
"His Royal Majesty stepped in, invited all the parties, and together with a former High Court judge, used his wisdom to resolve the impasse," Mr Dwumfour recalled.
"That was the election that brought me to office as President of the GJA for the first time.
We have not forgotten," he said.
Royalty affair
The Asantehene's decision to reprise his role as Patron — having served in the same capacity for the 29th edition — was hinged on his "brother," the Ga Mantse, chairing the event.
Mr Dwumfour described the arrangement as "royalty meets royalty", saying it underscored the cultural significance of the occasion.
Ga Mantse backs media
Accepting the invitation, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru said the media, as the "fourth arm of government", was capable of making or breaking the nation; hence needed every support.
While commending the GJA's progressive posture under its current leadership, the Ga Mantse pledged to discharge his duties as chairman judiciously.
