Ms Doreen Hammond, 2018 GJA Best Journalist, has advised journalists to refrain from rubbing shoulders with slay kings and queens just to attain recognition.

According to her, a good journalist does not need the approval or support of a slay king or queen before ones work is noticed.

Receiving her award, Ms Hammond said “Now I have a few observations to make. Gradually, it seems to me that to be recognized in this society of ours as a journalist of repute, you have to rub shoulders with slay queens and kings; but that is not the kind of journalism we were introduced to years ago. But I know there are many great journalists doing great things in the background. To them, I say don’t give up your reward will come in God’s own time.

Before I take my seat, I would like to urge my colleagues to continue to uphold the ethics of this noble profession of ours. Let us continue to be a voice for the voiceless and contribute our quota towards shaping this dear nation of ours. Certainly journalism is much more than politics”.

Ms. Hammond gave the advice last Saturday at the 24th GJA awards held at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra.

She further thanked her employers, the Graphic Communications Group Ltd, for giving her the opportunity to exhibit her God given talent.

Ms Hammond has won the hearts of lovers of features with her distinct features in the Daily Graphic.

In September this year, Ms Hammond was appointed Editor of the Junior Graphic.