The maiden edition of the Surprise Awards for Excellence this year has been awarded to its first lucky recipient in the first category dubbed “MEDIA AND COMMUNICATION AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE.”
The very initial category was established to honor one industrious media and communication personnel who has used their profession as an instrument to make society a better place.
The category, which was opened to all media and communication personalities, was aimed at awarding and honoring one media person who has devoted their efforts in solving specific social issues.
The Surprise Awards for Excellence launched last year is a unique scheme established to reward and appreciates individuals and organizations that have not only excelled in their professional fields, but have also taken an initiative to support and help people who by no fault of theirs are considered marginalized.
Unveiling this year’s category based on the theme, “Celebrating Excellence in Media: A Strategic tool for National Cohesion”, was to first of all appreciate players in the media and communication field and most importantly, draw the attention of stakeholders to the impact that media has on the citizenry especially as the nation goes to the polls in December, 2016. It was a step in the right direction to recognize individuals and institutions that have distinguished themselves in their career and have not only dwelt on the fame and glory of their jobs, but have over the years worked hard to make life better for members of their immediate host communities and beyond.
In a surprising ceremony at his place of work, the main category was awarded successfully to Mr. Nana Yaw Sarfo of Vision 1 FM in recognition of his commitment to create an enabling environment at national levels in today’s globalizing world where media plays an important role in providing information leading to citizen enlightenment, protection and equity for all.
He has as well served humanity through distinctiveness and excelled in service delivery and exceptional contributions to society based on his compassionate work towards the unprivileged. It was awarded to him in appreciation of his determination and commitment to the betterment of life through humanitarianism and development to mother Ghana.
This year as part of preparations for the main category had Inclusive citations, which were presented to very prominent personalities whose efforts are touching lives and making the country a better place. Among these prominent personalities included Mr. COP Kofi Boakye (the Ashanti Regional Police Comander), Mr.Bishop Daniel Kisi Bonegas (overseer Great fire Pentecostal Ministry) and Mrs Mirian Cudjoe (CEO TP Women International).
The Award selection criteria are not based on trading of nomination forms. Contenders are shortlisted across the ten regions of Ghana and are selected through monitoring and evaluation procedures by monitors across the nation. It was done through the general public, partnering NGO’S and foundations across the nation.
This year’s category Media and Communication Awards for excellence is a part of the five (5) main categories which also include Entertainment and Arts Awards for Excellence, Health Awards for Excellence, Industrial Award for Excellence and Educational Awards for Excellence. Each of the categories will run annually.
However there will be four special awards and five supplementary awards that will run concurrently annually.
GOA Group Limited, the organizers of the scheme are optimistic that the scheme is here to stay and believe that the scheme will act in an ethical and transparent coordination that will contribute to the health and welfare of the social order unlike other awards schemes. It will pertain not only to business organizations but also to everyone whose actions in the media impact the developmental progress of the nation.
However the special and supplementary awards shall be awarded at a red carpet banquet at the end of the year.
At this ceremony, documentaries and reviews will be presented to stake holders, sponsors and the general public on the accomplishments of the awarding category.