Sunyani (B/A) April 5, GNA - Mr. Charles Koomson, Brong-Ahafo regional chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) on Wednesday urged media practitioners to join the association in order to be guided by the ethics of the profession.

He stressed the need for journalists to practice the profession in dignity so that they would not be exposed to unnecessary dangers. Mr. Koomson, who is also the regional manager of the Ghana News Agency (GNA), gave the advice at a press conference organized by Door Step Ventures, advertising and media consult company in Sunyani.

The conference was aimed at briefing the media about an impending first regional media awards night organized by the company in collaboration with the regional committee of the Ghana @50 celebrations and the regional branch of the GJA slated for April 27 this year.

Mr. Koomson commended the organizers for the laudable initiative, which he noted would help retain media practitioners in the region. Nana Agyemang Gyau 111, Atimpimhene of Berekum traditional area who presided urged the media to help unearth the abundant resources and potentials in the region for its accelerated development.

He noted that the media awards ceremony in the region was very important as it would help practitioners to gain public recognition of their contributions to the growth and development of the region. Nana Agyemang Gyau cautioned the media to be circumspect and to be balanced in their reportage to ensure national stability.

"You are so powerful that you can make and unmake somebody", he said, stressing, 93we will ask you to use your power to ensure national stability".

In a welcoming address, Mr. Raymond Odom, Public Relations Officer of Door Step Ventures explained that the award ceremony would be held annually to motivate and encourage media practitioners in the region. He said in the electronic media all presenters were eligible to contest while for the print only registered members of the GJA were eligible.

Categories of the award include best women and children programme, best talk show, best agric. programme, best business and economic programme, best radio station and overall best journalist. Others are best political reporter, best crime and human rights reporter, best investigative reporter, best rural reporter, best sports reporter, best sports presenter, best sports show and best arts and entertainment presenter.

There will be also awards for the best environmental presenter, best cameraman, best newscaster (Twi), best religious programme and four special awards. Prizes include certificates, citations, trophies, sponsored trips and media gadgets. 05 April 07