Philip Osei Bonsu, popularly known as O.B., of Asempa FM has been adjudged the 2026 Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Journalist of the Year at the 30th GJA Media Awards.
He received the prestigious honour at a ceremony held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Palms Convention Centre of the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.
The Journalist of the Year award is the highest individual recognition presented by the Ghana Journalists Association and celebrates exceptional journalistic work, professionalism and contributions to the development of Ghana’s media landscape.
O.B.’s recognition highlights his contribution to broadcast journalism, particularly through his work as the host of Ekosiisen, Asempa FM’s flagship late-afternoon current affairs programme.
The programme, which is broadcast in Twi, provides a platform for discussions on political developments, governance, public accountability and other issues of national importance.
Through interviews, discussions and analysis of topical issues, Ekosiisen has established itself as one of the station’s key platforms for engaging the public on matters affecting the country.
Beyond his role as a broadcaster, O.B. also serves as the Programmes Manager of Asempa FM, a subsidiary of the Multimedia Group Limited.
O.B.’s achievement is particularly notable given his professional background, which extends beyond broadcasting into the legal profession.
He was called to the Ghana Bar in October 2024 after completing his professional legal training at the Ghana School of Law.
He holds a First Class Honours degree in Linguistics and Theatre Arts from the University of Ghana, an MSc in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs with Distinction from Robert Gordon University in Scotland, and a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from Central University.
He is also a Tullow Scholar and a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow at the University of San Diego in the United States.
His latest achievement adds to a growing list of professional recognitions.
In January 2026, he was named among the personalities featured in Avance Media’s inaugural Top 100 Ghanaians Powerlist 2025, where he was recognised in the media category for his work as host of Ekosiisen.
At the time, he acknowledged the contribution of his production team to the programme’s success, describing the recognition as a reflection of their hard work and professionalism.
He also highlighted his commitment to his two chosen professions: broadcast journalism and law.
O.B.’s Journalist of the Year award was accompanied by another major achievement for Asempa FM, as Ekosiisen was adjudged the Best Radio Programme of the Year (Ghanaian Language) at the same ceremony.
The double recognition marked a successful night for the station and the Multimedia Group, with both the presenter and his flagship programme receiving national recognition.
The achievement also highlights the role of radio programming in promoting public discourse and making discussions on governance and national development accessible to audiences in local languages.
The 30th edition of the GJA Media Awards was held under the theme, “Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age.”
The anniversary edition brought together journalists, media executives, government officials, corporate leaders and other stakeholders to celebrate outstanding contributions to Ghana’s media industry.
Ahead of the ceremony, the GJA Awards Committee disclosed that it had received 327 entries from 206 applicants, with 326 entries assessed across six divisions: print, television, radio, online, digital and new media.
The assessment covered journalistic productions published in 2025 and was conducted between October 7 and October 27, 2026.
According to the committee’s chairman, Kobby Asmah, the evaluation process considered several professional standards, including accuracy and factual integrity, newsworthiness, ethical standards, public impact, originality, clarity, depth of research, balance and technical quality.
The awards serve as a platform for recognising journalistic excellence while encouraging media practitioners to uphold professionalism, ethical standards and responsible reporting.
Also among the award recipients was Luv FM’s Clinton Yeboah, who won the Best Radio Feature award.
O.B.’s emergence as Journalist of the Year, alongside Ekosiisen’s recognition as the Best Radio Programme of the Year (Ghanaian Language), represents a significant milestone for Asempa FM and further underscores the station’s contribution to Ghana’s broadcasting industry.
By 1960news.com
