Agyeman of Metro TV emerges Journalist of the Year

Accra, Aug. 22, GNA - It was all joy when hundreds of elated audience cheerfully applauded for Mr Samuel Agyeman, a reporter from Metro Television, a privately-owned station, who emerged Best Journalist for 2009.

He received a professional enhancement package at the cost of 28,000 dollars, which include a fully-paid round trip to the International Centre for Journalists in Washington, USA, for further studies. He also takes home a brand new lap top.

Out of the 271 entries received, 30 journalists and media houses were awarded on Saturday at the 15th Ghana Journalists Association's Awards Night, which also coincided with the 61st Anniversary of the Association.

The Awards Night, which was under the theme: "Unethical Journalism and Corruption in the Media - A Danger to Democracy," saw many dignitaries gracing the event including Vice President John Dramani Mahama, who presented the award to the Journalist of the year.

Mr Agyeman's award winning documentary entitled: "Shelter in the City", focused on the plight of female head potters (popularly known as 'Kayayei'), who sleep in the night in front of stores, supermarkets, in uncompleted buildings and other unsecured structures at the mercy of the weather.

He also received the Best Television Feature award.

The night also saw three reporters from the Ghana News Agency receiving award for their write ups. They included: Mr Samuel Dowuona, Best Telecommunication Article, Mr Samuel Akapule, Best Rural Reporting and Mrs Dzifa Azumah, Best Report on Hygiene and Sanitation.

Miss Portia Solomon, a reporter from TV3, a private television station, received two awards for Best Television News Reporting and Development Journalism.

The rest were, Ace Investigative Journalist from The New Crusading Guide Newspaper, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who received an award for Best Report on Anti-Corruption, Ghanaian Times' Mr Francis Tuffuor, Best News Reporting for Print, Daily Guide's Mrs Emelia Abbey, for Best Report on Environment and Daily Guide's Akosua, a cartoonist, who received Best Cartoon for Print.

Prolific entertaining high-life singer, Abrantie Amakye Dede, who performed for the Awards night, held the well patronized event electrified, as many were seen tapping parts of their bodies to synchronize with his sweet melodies.

Vice President John Mahama and other dignitaries could not but rise out of the comfort of their chairs to the dancing floor to grace the occasion.