Africa-Press – Ghana. Renowned Ghanaian journalist, communicator and documentary filmmaker Rebekah Awuah has been appointed as a jury member for the prestigious UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
Her appointment is a landmark achievement, both personally and for Ghanaian and African journalism.
A statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra on Monday said it recognized her exceptional career dedicated to investigative reporting, press freedom advocacy, and impactful storytelling across critical issues.
Her presence on this global jury ensures African perspectives are represented at the highest level of international press freedom recognition and provides a powerful platform to advocate journalists under threat worldwide.
“It also solidifies her status as a key figure in the global fight for free and independent media.
“I’d wear this role not as a personal crown, but as a megaphone for every reporter working in shadows to keep democracy alive.” Rebekah said.
“It’s an opportunity and a rare privilege to serve as an international juror. Ghana is often hailed as a beacon of press freedom and stability in West Africa. Serving on this global jury would acknowledge Ghana’s commitment to democratic values and enable me to keep that legacy. It also aligns greatly with my deepest values as a journalist – Truth, Justice and Impact and will enable me to use the jury’s platform to push for tangible protections for threatened journalists globally.
Rebekah Awuah is the first Ghanaian journalist to be appointed to the jury of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize.
Her selection places her among six distinguished media professionals from across the globe, tasked with recognizing outstanding contributions to press freedom.
The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, established in 1997, honours individuals, organizations, or institutions that have made remarkable efforts in defending or promoting press freedom, often at great personal risk.
The award is named after Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano Isaza, who was assassinated in 1986 for his fearless reporting on drug cartels.
Administered by UNESCO and supported by several international foundations, the prize is awarded annually on World Press Freedom Day.
“As the first Ghanaian juror, I carry a responsibility to amplify press freedom struggles leveraging my dual understanding of local realities and global standards while learning from very accomplished jury members. It would also allow me to ensure African narratives aren’t sidelined in global press freedom advocacy.”
Rebekah, a Senior Reporter and investigative journalist at The Fourth Estate and Fact-Check Ghana – an all-public interest journalism project of the Media Foundation of West Africa (MFWA) brings a wealth of experience in accountability journalism, human rights reporting, and advocacy for press freedom.
She has also worked in areas including gender, climate, human rights, environment, arts, entertainment, tourism, and governance.
Before joining the MFWA, she served for over 14 years at Ghana Television (GTV), where she played pivotal roles as a news editor and anchor, current affairs show host, and content producer.
Her journalistic excellence had earned her numerous accolades, including being a finalist in the 2013 CNN Africa Journalist Awards.
She has also won many national and international awards, such as the 2023 Energy and SDG Media Personality Award, African Journalist of the Year, and the 2022 Ghana Energy Reporter of the Year.
Her commitment to impactful storytelling and media advocacy has positioned her as a key figure in the Ghanaian and African media landscape.
The jury is chaired by Yasuomi Sawa of Japan, a professor of journalism and investigative reporter.
Other members include Jaime Abello Banfi from Colombia, the co-founder of the Gabo Foundation; Nima Elbagir from Sudan, an award-winning senior international correspondent for CNN; Aneta Grosu from Moldova, editor-in-chief of Ziarul de Gardă; and Åsne Seierstad from Norway, a freelance journalist and author.
As a jury member, Rebekah will play a crucial role in evaluating nominees and recommending a single winner to UNESCO’s Director-General.
The appointment, which is for a renewable three-year term, underscores her expertise and dedication to the principles of free and independent journalism.
Her inclusion in this global panel highlights Ghana’s continued contribution to media excellence and press freedom.
It also serves as an inspiration for journalists across Africa, emphasizing the crucial role of investigative journalism in upholding democracy and human rights.
Rebekah’s appointment is a significant milestone in her career and a demonstration of her unwavering commitment to the values of truth, accountability, and justice in journalism.
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