Chairperson of the 8-member committee responsible for nominating finalists for the 23rd Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards, Dr. Doris Yartey, has chided journalists for the "flawed" entries for this year's award event.

Dr Yartey said most of the content submitted by reporters were weak, lacked focus, and unprofessional.

"The mode of entry submission was so flawed. We saw too much sloppiness in the way awards were submitted. You can't win an international award if you do not change," she decried.

Speaking at a press conference to announce prospective winners of this year's award ceremony, Dr. Doris Yartey explained that GJA seeks to make the awards more competitive by nominating the most intriguing story that will affect lives and bring change in the society.

She, therefore, adviced journalists to be professional in submitting their entries and not compare themselves to counterparts from the Western world.

Dr Yartey, who is also a member of the National Media Commission (NMC), disclosed that nominees were Accra-centered.

She also urged executives of the GJA to actively promote the award scheme by encouraging journalist from other regions to participate and send in their entries.



A member of the awards committee, Gabriel Bosompem, said there was not a single entry for science and technology which to him was discouraging.

He encouraged reporters to venture into the science and technology, which he termed as the driving force of the modern world, and touch on issues that will be in the interest of others.

"To the young ones here, the challenge is to you. Next year we want to see competitive reporting in science and technology that will take us to the next generation." He added.



Meanwhile, the 23rd GJA award ceremony is expected to be held at the Gold Coast Kempinski Hotel in Accra, on October 27, 2018.

A total of 36 reporters were shortlisted from over 500 entries, for their outstanding reportage in 2017.

The nominees, according to a 7-member committee, were selected based on accuracy, balance, potential impact of the story, background, accuracy, ethical standards, initiative, and language presentation.



Below is the list of nominees

JOURNALISTs/MEDIA FIRMS

Peter Quao Adator - TV3

Seth Kwame Boateng - JOY NEWS

Rebecca Quaicoo Duho - DAILY GRAPHIC

Peggy Ama Donkor - GTV

Linda Tenyah Ayettey - DAILY GUIDE

Ama Amankwaah Baafi - GRAPHIC BUSINESS

Joseph Opoku Gakpo - JOY NEWS

Moses Dotse Aklorbortu - DAILY GRAPHIC

Emmanuel Adu Gyamerah - DAILY GRAPHIC

Alice Aryeetey - GH ONE

Ridwan Karim Dini- Osman - GH ONE

Timothy Ngnenbe - DAILY GRAHIC

Portia Gabor - TV3

Seth J. Bokpe - DAILY GRAPHIC

Suleiman Mustapha - GRAPHIC BUSINESS

Charles Andoh - THE MIRROR

Stanley Nii Blewu - TV3

Severious Kale Dery - DAILY GRAPHIC

Joojo Cobinnah - JOY NEWS

David Kodjo- Asinesi - GHANAIAN TIMES

Nana Yaa Konadu - PEACE FM

Doreen Hammond - DAILY GRAPHIC

Samuel Adadi Akapule - GHANAIAN TIMES

Rebecca Ekpe - GBC RADIO

Ernest Manu - JOY NEWS

David Andoh - MY JOY ONLINE

Caesar Abagail - GNA

Dan Kwaku Yeboah - PEACE FM

Gabriel Ahiabor - DAILY GRAPHIC

Kwame Anum - TV AFRICA

Joyce Danso - GNA

Grace Nana Esi Boateng - OMAN FM

Justice Adoboe - XINHUA NEWS AGENCY

Saddick Adams - ATINKA TV

Bernard Avle - CITI FM

Jamila Akweley Okertchiri - DAILY GUIDE


MEDIA FIRMS

METRO

UTV
CITI FM
HELLO FM
OBONU
GNA
MOON LIGHT FM, SUNYANI
GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS
PEACE FM
KEKELI RADIO, HO
ZAA FM, TAMALE
RADIO WA, WA
WEST END RADIO, TAKORADI


Honorary Award Membership Awards - Media Owners

Dr. Kwame Despite - Despite Group

Dr. Ernest Ofori Sarfo -

Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom - GNTV GH

Samuel Amo Tobbin - Atinka Village


Distinguished Citizenship

Dr. COP George Akuffo Dampare -