JoyNews’ Ahafo Regional Correspondent, Emmanuel Adu Gyamfi, has won the Best Reporter on Domestic Tourism award at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards.
He was recognised for his article, “Speaking Ghana to the world: How indigenous languages can power tourism and economic growth,” at the awards ceremony held in Accra on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The Awards Committee, chaired by former Graphic Communications Group Editor Kobby Asmah, commended the report for demonstrating the value of development journalism and highlighting the role of Ghana’s indigenous languages in promoting tourism and economic growth.
In its citation, the committee said the article drew attention to the potential of local languages as a tool for economic transformation.
“Your article brilliantly illuminates a powerful, yet overlooked truth: that the strategic use of Ghana’s rich, local language varieties can serve as a potent engine for economic transformation,” the citation stated.
It also praised Gyamfi’s approach to connecting cultural preservation with tourism development, describing the article as offering an actionable framework for using Ghanaian languages to strengthen the country’s tourism appeal.
The committee further commended him for his contribution to cultural heritage, impactful storytelling and national development.
30th GJA Media Awards
The 30th edition of the GJA Media Awards was held under the theme: “30th GJA Media Awards: Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age.”
The ceremony was attended by President John Mahama, Ga Mantse King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, the Speaker of Parliament, the President of the Federation of African Journalists and members of the diplomatic community, among other dignitaries.
The annual awards recognise journalists and media professionals for their contributions to journalism and national development.