A journalist affiliated with The Multimedia Group’s outlets, including JoyFM, JoyNews, and Luv FM, Erastus Asare Donkor, secured the prestigious title of P.A.V Ansah Journalist of the Year at the 27th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards.
The awards ceremony took place on Sunday at the Accra International Conference Centre, and the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, Jean Mensa, presented Mr. Donkor with the accolade.
In addition to his Journalist of the Year recognition, Erastus Asare Donkor also earned the distinction of Best Reporter on Illegal Mining on the same night, honoring his outstanding reporting and documentary work on the subject of “galamsey” and its impact on the nation’s human and natural resources.
Speaking at the event, Mr Donkor thanked his colleagues “who sacrifice their lives every day with me” and the team at The Multimedia Group for the support.
“I stand before you today deeply honoured and proudly humble to receive this national award for investigative journalism. It is a recognition not just of my work but a testament to the power of responsible journalism in our society. For too long we have witnessed the devastating effects of irresponsible mining in Ghana, a nation rich in natural resources and even richer in potential.”
“Our investigation driven by a commitment to truth and justice has uncovered the harsh reality of illegal mining…The legacy of irresponsible mining, is not environmental degradation, it is a tale of shattered dreams, lost livelihoods and lives forever scarred. We as journalists bear a profound responsibility to be the voice of the voiceless, and shine lights on shadows that threaten our nation’s future,” Mr Donkor said.
Just two weeks ago, Erastus Asare Donkor was the recipient of the PAV Ansah Communication Award at the 2023 EMY Africa Awards. This prestigious accolade recognizes a communication professional who serves as an opinion leader with the most positive outreach and a motivating figure with the greatest influence.
Asare Donkor secured this award for his investigative report titled “Destruction for Gold,” shedding light on the devastating impact of illegal mining (galamsey) in the nation. His media career with The Multimedia Group Limited has been decorated with numerous awards, underscoring his exceptional contributions.
In July of this year, he was honored with the Environmental Sustainability Personality of the Year award by the Department of Planning at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. This recognition was a testament to his unwavering commitment to safeguarding Ghana’s natural environment through his dedicated work.
Furthermore, in June 2023, the Ashanti Regional branch of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) acknowledged his exceptional journalism, particularly in reporting on human rights, environmental issues, and irresponsible mining.
In the same month, he received a well-deserved nomination for international recognition at the Covering Climate Now Journalism Award, primarily for his impactful “Destruction For Gold” documentary.
Lastly, in October 2022, when the Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) held its Annual Marketing Performance Awards in Accra, The Multimedia Group Limited was not the only one to receive recognition for its years of outstanding work. Erastus Asare Donkor was also honored for his exemplary contribution through the “Destruction for Gold” documentary.