Rebekah Awuah, a distinguished Ghanaian journalist, communicator, and documentary filmmaker, has been appointed to the esteemed jury of the UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize. This prestigious appointment marks a watershed moment not only for Awuah but also for Ghanaian and African journalism as a whole. It is a testament to her exceptional career, dedicated to investigative reporting, advocating for press freedom, and crafting impactful narratives on crucial societal issues. Her inclusion on the jury guarantees that African perspectives are integrated into the highest echelons of international press freedom recognition, giving voice to journalists facing threats across the globe. This appointment further solidifies Awuah’s position as a prominent figure in the global campaign for a free and independent press. She views her role not as a personal accolade but as a platform to amplify the voices of journalists working tirelessly, often under duress, to uphold democracy.
Awuah’s selection as the first Ghanaian journalist to serve on this jury is a momentous achievement. She joins an elite group of six media professionals from around the world, entrusted with the responsibility of identifying and honoring outstanding contributions to press freedom. The UNESCO/Guillermo Cano World Press Freedom Prize, established in 1997, pays tribute to individuals, organizations, and institutions that have demonstrated exceptional courage and commitment in defending and promoting press freedom, often at great personal risk. The prize is named in honor of Colombian journalist Guillermo Cano Isaza, who was assassinated in 1986 for his fearless reporting on drug cartels. Supported by several international foundations and administered by UNESCO, the prize is awarded annually on World Press Freedom Day. Awuah recognizes the weight of this responsibility, emphasizing her commitment to leveraging her understanding of both local realities and global standards to champion press freedom, ensuring African narratives are not marginalized in global advocacy efforts.
As a Senior Reporter and investigative journalist at The Fourth Estate and Fact-Check Ghana, a public interest journalism project of the Media Foundation of West Africa (MFWA), Awuah brings a wealth of experience in accountability journalism, human rights reporting, and press freedom advocacy. Her work spans a broad range of critical areas, including gender equality, climate change, human rights, environmental protection, arts, entertainment, tourism, and governance. Prior to joining MFWA, Awuah served for over 14 years at Ghana Television (GTV), where she held key positions as a news editor, anchor, current affairs show host, and content producer. Her journalistic excellence has garnered numerous accolades, including being a finalist for the 2013 CNN Africa Journalist Awards, and winning the 2023 Energy and SDG Media Personality Award, the African Journalist of the Year award, and the 2022 Ghana Energy Reporter of the Year award.
Awuah’s commitment to impactful storytelling and media advocacy has established her as a prominent voice in the Ghanaian and African media landscape. She joins a distinguished panel of jurors representing diverse regions of the world, chaired by Yasuomi Sawa of Japan, a professor of journalism and investigative reporter. The other jury members include Jaime Abello Banfi from Colombia, 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, Awuah will play a pivotal role in evaluating nominees and recommending a single winner to UNESCO’s Director-General. The appointment, renewable for a three-year term, underscores her expertise and unwavering dedication to the principles of free and independent journalism. Her inclusion in this distinguished panel signifies Ghana’s ongoing commitment to media excellence and press freedom, serving as an inspiration to journalists across Africa. It emphasizes the crucial role investigative journalism plays in upholding democratic values and human rights.
This appointment serves as a significant milestone in Rebekah Awuah’s career, underscoring her steadfast dedication to the core journalistic values of truth, accountability, and justice. It embodies her commitment to amplifying voices often silenced, ensuring that the fight for press freedom resonates globally, and that the stories of those on the frontlines of this struggle are heard. Her presence on the jury ensures that the vital contributions of African journalists are recognized and celebrated on the international stage. Her appointment, therefore, represents a hopeful step forward in the ongoing fight for press freedom worldwide, a fight that Rebekah Awuah has tirelessly championed throughout her distinguished career.
