The prestigious ceremony, organised by the ECOWAS Commission as part of its 50th anniversary, recognised journalists in four categories: Print, Radio, Television, and Online Media.
Among the winners was Gambian journalist Sankulleh Janko, who clinched the Best Radio Journalist Award, bringing pride to the host country.
The competition was open to journalists from all 15 ECOWAS Member States, with over 200 entries received between February 20 and March 20, 2025. A seven-member independent jury of media professionals with diverse linguistic and regional backgrounds assessed the submissions in April. Winners emerged from Nigeria, Senegal, Benin, Togo, Liberia, and The Gambia.
Delivering her keynote address, H.E. Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative to The Gambia, emphasised that the awards were part of a broader initiative to strengthen the relationship between ECOWAS and the media.
“A free, responsible, and ethical press is not a luxury but a cornerstone of peace, stability, and inclusive development in our region,” she said.
French added that the overwhelming number of high-quality entries reflected the bravery, professionalism, and civic dedication of journalists working under difficult circumstances.
“To the 12 outstanding awardees, I say congratulations. Your stories shine a light where darkness often prevails,” she noted.
Representing the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Hon. Abdou Kolley, Director of Cabinet, said the awards are a defining element of the ECOWAS@50 commemorations.
“Since the signing of the ECOWAS Treaty in 1975, the role of journalists has been central. They do not just report events, they shape democratic accountability and build bridges among diverse communities.”
He praised the jury, chaired by Gambian communications expert Mr. Abdoulie Gassama, for conducting a credible and transparent review process.
Kolley also announced that the ECOWAS Media Excellence Awards will now be held annually, becoming a legacy event that reinforces media freedom and journalistic excellence across the region.
Codou Jabang Senghore, speaking on behalf of Information Minister Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, reflected on The Gambia’s evolving media landscape. She noted that hosting the awards in Banjul would have been unimaginable just a few years ago, when the climate for press freedom was hostile.
“Today, our media is freer and more vibrant. Lifting the moratorium on FM radio licenses is just one indication of our resolve to build a robust, independent, and diverse media sector.”
She reminded guests that The Gambia has a long tradition of press freedom dating back to the 1960s and was one of the first countries in the region to allow private media, even when most of the continent remained under state-controlled press systems.
“This country has played a central role in the media rights movement, hosting the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights since 1989,” she added.
Senghore further praised the thematic diversity of the awards, which went beyond political reporting to include issues such as peace, human development, regional integration, and gender equality.
Speaking on behalf of the Gambian media community, Isatou Keita, President of the Gambia Press Union (GPU), commended the ECOWAS Commission for launching the initiative and choosing The Gambia as the host.
“This is more than just an award ceremony; it is a powerful recognition of the role journalists play in safeguarding democracy, human rights, and regional unity,” she said.
Keita highlighted the challenges journalists face across West Africa – from threats and censorship to economic hardship and shrinking civic spaces but also emphasised their courage and unwavering commitment to truth.
“We urge that this award becomes an annual tradition and not just a symbolic celebration. ECOWAS must continue to listen to, protect, and partner with the media in the region.”
She linked the ECOWAS initiative to the GPU’s own efforts in promoting journalism excellence through the National Journalism Awards, which this year marks its 10th anniversary.
“The values reflected in tonight’s ceremony; truth-telling, service, and resilience are the same values we uphold through our own national awards,” Keita said.
In his remarks, veteran journalist Pap Saine and co-publisher of The Point newspaper, expressed gratitude to ECOWAS for launching the awards in Banjul and urged regional leaders to invest more in media empowerment and training.
“The journalist’s role is critical not just in reporting the news but in transforming societies. These awards are a call to action,” he said.
The ceremony concluded with acknowledgements to key partners, including GIZ and the ECOWAS Directorate of Communications led by Mr. Joel Ahofodji, for successfully delivering the event.
