
The Northern Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has officially recognized Abdul Wahab Yumzaa Yakubu as the overall Best Journalist during a ceremony held in Tamale. Yakubu, who demonstrated exceptional performance across multiple beats, topped a list of ten media professionals honored for their outstanding contributions to journalism in the region during the 2025 awards cycle. The event served as a significant platform to celebrate the excellence of regional practitioners in various specialized fields.
In addition to taking home the top prize, Yakubu was also recognized for his excellence in Education and Health reporting. The awards ceremony featured a diverse array of categories designed to acknowledge reporting that drives social change and community engagement. Among the other notable awardees was Abukari Alhassan Baba, who received the award for Best Reporter in Tourism and Culture. In total, ten journalists were celebrated for their work in sectors such as health, education, and culture, reflecting the significant impact of journalistic storytelling within the Northern Region.
The event was held under the theme, "Empowering the Next Generation: The Role of the Media in Digital Skills, Innovation and Youth Opportunities." Keynote speakers at the ceremony emphasized the critical responsibility of the media in fostering community development and bridging the digital divide. They called for increased investment in youth development and skills enhancement, urging journalists to use their platforms to ensure young people can effectively access and compete within the global digital economy.
The 2025 Northern Regional GJA Awards concluded with a call for the press to adapt to modern technological trends while maintaining high ethical standards. By spotlighting digital innovation and youth opportunities, the association aimed to inspire reporters to tackle regional challenges through innovative media solutions. The recognition of journalists like Yakubu underscores the continuing importance of rigorous, impactful reporting in promoting sustainable growth across the region.