GIJ Launches 60th anniversary media contest

The Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) on Wednesday, unveiled its imminent 60th anniversary to amalgamate students, staff, alumni and corporate Ghana.

The anniversary, which would include; a media contest, forms part of the activities marking the celebrations of the Diamond Jubilee of the Institute, to celebrate its past and inspire the future.

Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, the Rector of the Institute, said the institute was 21st-century tertiary communication school, which was built on foundations laid over 59 years ago and was poised to addressing important issues for the future.

Touching on some current issues being addressed, he said the institute was training journalists and communication practitioners to ethically play their much-needed critical role in an increasingly complicated socio-political-economic environment.

The Rector said the effects of new media and communication technologies and the teething challenges they presented for modern communication were also being addressed.

“Issues of how the media particularly new media influences our various national discourses, how they shape the way we talk to ourselves and about ourselves are being considered” the professor noted.

He said that communication students of today were raising key questions which would help shape the world in future, as the institute sought to equip students with the requisite knowledge and skills they needed.

“We are here launching this contest which will among others, recognise and award outstanding works and critical analysis of the media’s role in facilitating effective participation of citizens through access to relevant and accurate information,” he said.

Mr Akwasi Owusu Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), of Ghana Tourism Authority who was present at the launch encouraged citizen participation in national matters, adding that they had a role to play as ordinary individuals in meeting the Sustainable Development Goals.

The CEO who is also a Council member of the Institute said the media contest which would include; articles, audio and video documentaries as part of activities in the celebration, would enhance participation among journalists in various media and journalism in general.

“Interested persons in the contest can start submitting their articles and documentaries on the 10th of June with a deadline of 19 July” Mr. Owusu Agyemang noted.