The Executive Chairman of the KGL Group, Alex Apau Dadey, has called on the Ghanaian media to stop undermining the success of local businesses, questioning why foreign conglomerates are often celebrated while indigenous ones face suspicion and criticism.
Speaking at the launch of the 29th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards in Accra, Mr Dadey urged journalists to use their platforms to promote local entrepreneurship and support home-grown enterprises that drive Ghana’s economic growth.
“The tendency to undermine our own across the country is worrying. The default reaction to successful local champions is often suspicion rather than celebration. Why do we cheer foreign conglomerates but question the success of local ones?” he asked.
Mr Dadey emphasised that national transformation could not be achieved by government alone, explaining that the private sector was an essential partner in Ghana’s development agenda. He lamented the perception of private enterprises as risks or adversaries, stressing the need for closer collaboration between the state and the business community.
He said that private sector players like KGL Group have played vital roles in job creation, innovation, and social investment, yet often receive less recognition compared to foreign firms operating in the country.
Mr Dadey, who was recently honoured at the Millennium Excellence Awards for his contributions to business excellence and corporate governance, said the media had a responsibility to change this narrative by promoting fairness, truth, and balance in coverage of local businesses.
The 29th GJA Media Awards, which will be held under the patronage of the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is expected to attract top dignitaries from Ghana and abroad in celebration of journalistic excellence.
The GJA President Albert Dwumfuor praised the role of journalists in nation-building and the defence of democracy. “As we launch the 29th GJA Awards today, let us be reminded that the story of Ghana cannot be written without the voices of her journalists, and that our future as a nation depends on the strength, integrity, and patriotism of our media,” he said.
Government Spokesperson Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who attended the launch, commended the GJA for sustaining the awards over the years. He pledged government’s support to ensure this year’s event becomes one of the most successful editions.
Top honours at the event will include the GJA/P.A.V. Ansah Journalist of the Year, Best Female Journalist, Komla Dumor Most Promising Journalist, and Best Student Journalist awards.
The GJA National Executive expressed gratitude to corporate sponsors for their continuous support and encouraged more organisations to partner the association in making the 2025 awards ceremony a memorable one.
