A Spotlight on SRHR Journalism AdomTV Upper East Regional Correspondent: Halidu Dasmani Wins Top Honor at Upper East GJA Awards
In a standout moment for impactful storytelling in Ghana’s Upper East Region, Halidu Dasmani of ADOM TV has been named the Best Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Journalist at the 4th Upper East Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards 2025. The award recognizes Dasmani’s dedication to shedding light on critical issues affecting communities across the region. The GJA Awards, a platform for celebrating journalistic excellence, highlighted Dasmani’s work in SRHR journalism as a beacon of informative and impactful reporting. His win underscores the growing importance of covering topics that touch on the health and rights of individuals, particularly in regions where access to information can drive meaningful change. Dasmani’s award-winning work was recognized among a pool of talented journalists in the Upper East Region. The award ceremony, supported by the SHARE Project—a collaborative effort by organizations like Right to Play, thi360, and WaterAid—emphasized the role of journalism in promoting health and rights awareness. “Covering SRHR topics isn’t just about reporting news, it’s about giving voice to the vulnerable and informing communities about rights that can transform lives,” Dasmani said in a statement following the win. Halidu Dasmani’s recognition at the 4th Upper East GJA Awards adds to ADOM TV’s reputation for producing impactful journalism. As SRHR continues to be a vital area of focus for communities and media alike, Dasmani’s win signals the importance of dedicated reporting in these spaces. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
ApexnewsGh’s Ngamegbulam Chidozie Shines Again — Crowned 2024 Best Environment Reporter at Upper East GJA Awards
The night of Friday, October 10, 2025, at Blue Sky in Bolgatanga East, was filled with applause and pride as multiple award-winning journalist Ngamegbulam Chidozie Stephen of ApexnewsGh once again etched his name into Ghana’s journalism history. He was crowned Best Environment Reporter at the 2025 edition of 4th Upper East Region Ghana Journalist Association (GJA) Awards for his outstanding contributions to environmental reporting and climate change awareness. Ngamegbulam’s recognition came on the strength of his powerful feature, “The Power of Grass Biochar in Sustainable Agriculture and Mitigating Climate Change,” a deeply researched report that shed light on how simple, locally available materials could help farmers combat the high cost of fertilizers while restoring soil fertility. The journalist’s compelling documentary showcased the voices of farmers and experts across the northern regions, offering practical solutions to one of Ghana’s most pressing agricultural challenges. His storytelling, rooted in empathy and scientific insight, drew widespread praise from both the public and the award judges. According to the judging panel, chaired by Professor David Millar, President of the Millar Institute for Transdisciplinary and Development Studies, the competition received 43 strong submissions. Still, Ngamegbulam’s work stood out for its depth, creativity, and relevance. Other judges included Dr. Samuel Adadi Akapule and Ms. Fatima Anafu-Astanga. This latest honor adds to Ngamegbulam’s growing list of accolades. In 2019, he won Regional Best Human Rights Reporter; in 2022, he took home Best Climate Change Reporter; and in 2023, he reclaimed the Human Rights Reporter award. His national recognition came in 2024 when he was named Best Reporter (Online/Wire Service Category) at the 2nd Inclusive & Anti-Conflict Journalism Awards, cementing his place as one of Ghana’s leading digital journalists. Reflecting on his journey, many say Ngamegbulam’s success is no surprise. His work consistently blends passion, advocacy, and meticulous research, qualities that have made his voice indispensable in Ghana’s media landscape. The 2025 GJA Awards, themed “Upholding Public Trust: The Role of the Media in Promoting Accountable Governance in the Upper East Region,” was supported by The SHARE Project, implemented by partners including FHI 360, WaterAid, and the Government of Canada. As the night drew to a close, the applause that followed his name was more than just for another award, it was for a journalist whose pen continues to shape conversations, influence policy, and inspire action toward a more sustainable future. Source: Apexnewsgh.com
“When Is the BIG PUSH Coming to Northern Ghana?” — Frustrated Road Users Cry Out as Tumu Road Becomes a Nightmare
Residents and travellers in Northern Ghana, particularly those plying the Bolgatanga–Tumu road, are growing increasingly frustrated over what they describe as government neglect and failed promises under the much-touted “Big Push” infrastructure programme. Their frustration reached a boiling point recently when parts of the Tumu road became completely impassable after heavy rains. Several communities were cut off, leaving travellers stranded for hours and forcing them to take long, exhausting detours. WATCH THE VIDEO BELOW BY VALJOVIAL: When Apexnewsgh engaged one of the aggrieved drivers, he recounted his ordeal in exasperation: “We drove 10 miles to Tumu and the road was blocked due to the deplorable nature. So, to travel to Nandom, we had to go back to Sandema, then from Sandema to , from Nwelembele to Jirapa, and from Jirapa to Nandom. Can you imagine the stress?” Many road users in the Upper West and Upper East regions share similar experiences, lamenting that the much-publicised “Big Push” projects seem to be bypassing Northern Ghana. During the presentation of the 2025 Mid-Year Fiscal Policy Review to Parliament on Thursday, the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, announced the government’s commitment to 32 major road infrastructure projects under the Big Push Programme. According to Dr. Forson, the government would not seek additional funding beyond what had already been approved for the year. “The government remains within the limits set out in the 2025 budget,” he said, “and is focusing on managing expenditure, improving revenue collection, and completing critical infrastructure projects while maintaining macroeconomic stability under the ongoing programme with the International Monetary Fund.” Among the projects listed were the upgrading of the Tumu–Hamile Road, Tumu–Han–Lawra Road, and reconstruction of the Navrongo–Tumu Road, developments that had initially sparked hope among residents. However, months after that announcement, there is little evidence of progress on the ground. The once-anticipated Tumu road upgrade has, according to locals, “become a white elephant.” In September, road users travelling through the Bolga–Tumu stretch were reportedly stopped by local youth after floods rendered the road impassable. The situation caused traffic chaos and further exposed the poor state of infrastructure in the area. Another traveller from the Upper West Region, Dominic, shared his dismay: “Travelling from Bolgatanga to the region has become a nightmare. Every trip feels like a punishment. A 4-5-hour journey from Bolgatanga to Nandom has taken me 11 hours. We keep hearing about the Big Push, but when will it reach us? He laments As dust, mud, and broken roads continue to dominate travel across Northern Ghana, one question remains on the lips of many frustrated citizens: “When is the Big Push really coming to Northern Ghana?” Source: Apexnewsgh.com