The Member of Parliament (MP) for Berekum West in the Bono Region, Dickson Kyere-Dua, has urged journalists to partner state institutions in championing peace building initiatives to calm down rising tension emanating from chieftaincy conflicts and land dis­putes in the country.

According to him, peace building initiatives should not only be the preserve of politicians and tradi­tional rulers but all stakeholders in­cluding the media to safeguard the peace and stability of the country.

Mr Kyere-Dua spoke in a telephone interview with the MP after the 3rd Edition of the Bono/ Ahafo Regional Chapter of the Ghana Journalists Association awards held yesterday in Sunyani.

The colourful event was on the theme: The role of the media as a tool for peace building and de­velopment in the Bono and Ahafo Regions. “

The MP explained that although journalists were at the liberty to report on sensitive issues being kept from the public eye, but that must be done with the view of ensuring fair, accurate and balanced reportage, adding that “a strong democracy depends largely on a vigilant media.”

The President of the Associa­tion, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, in a speech read on his behalf by the Vice President of GJA, Ms Re­becca Ekpe, cautioned journalists to be mindful of the phenomenon of misinformation and disinfor­mation reminding them of their responsibility to detect and block such fake news and other content deemed detrimental to building a peaceful society.

He urged the media to refrain from allowing their platforms to be used to propagate the menace of fake news so to enhance the credi­bility of the Ghanaian media.

The Chairperson of the Bono/ Ahafo GJA, Mrs Regina Benneh Siaw, in her welcome address underscored the critical role the media played in the development of the country.

“Our role thus extends be­yond mere reporting; we are also architects of public discourse and guardians of democracy. In the context of peace building and de­velopment, the media’s role cannot be overstated.’’

She congratulated all award win­ners for their hard work and urged to continue to strive for excellence in their journalism carrier.

In all, eight Journalists were awarded including Daily Graphic’s Ali Biiya Mukusa being crown the overall best journalist for 2024.

The award winners received tablets and laptops, certificates and plaques.

Jasmine Akwaboah of Moonlite Fm was adjudged the female jour­nalist of year while

Lawrence Gyan of Suncity radio picked two awards in best fea­ture in print and best radio news anchor.

Channel One reporter, Michael Sarpong, was declared the winner of best telecommunications and Education reporter respectively while Samuel Mensah of UTV won best crime reporter.