Multiple award-winning journalist with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), Kweku Bolton, has emerged as the first runner-up in the Best Mining Reporter Broadcast category at the 9th Ghana Mining Industry Awards (GMIA), held last Saturday in Accra.
He received the prestigious award for his exceptional documentary report titled “Local Content in Mining Sector: Remedy for Employment and Economic Growth.”
The report clarifies the mining sector’s contributions to the economy. Bolton’s in-depth documentary report critically analysed the responsibilities of mining companies, especially in employing local people, patronising local goods and services, and community development. The report also touched on responsible mining practices as well as environmental management, among others.
Freelance journalist Edem Srem clinched the second runner-up position in the broadcast category, while Erastus Asare Donkor of the Multimedia Group emerged as the overall winner. Timothy Ngnenbe of Daily Graphic won the award for the print category.
For the Best Female Miner of the Year Technical, Ellen Serwaa Kontoh of Anglogold Ashanti Iduapriem Mine emerged as the winner. For the Best Performer in Occupational Health and Safety, Golden Star Wassa Mines came in first. Interplast Ghana won Best Performer in Mine Supplies and Support Services, while Best Performer in Contract Mining went to Ibrahim Mahama’s Engineers & Planners.
The Best Performer in Exploration (Junior Category) went to Atlantic Lithium, with the Executive Vice President and Head at Gold Fields West Africa, Eric Asubonteng, going home with the Mining Personality of the Year Award, while Newmont Golden Ridge, Akyem Mine, was adjudged the Mining Company of the Year.
In all, about 65 winners, both individuals and companies, received awards for their excellence in the year in review.
Chief Executive of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, Dr. Sulemanu Koney, charged players in the mining value chain to ensure that the benefits of mining trickle down to citizens, especially those in the catchment areas.
Receiving the award, Kweku Bolton said the award will strengthen him to work hard to serve the interests of the people without fear or favour. He urged media practitioners to hold on to the standards and ethics as well as the professionalism that set journalism apart from other professions.
He thanked God almighty for His abundant mercies and for how far He has brought him in journalism.
“I sincerely want to acknowledge everyone who has supported me in my journalism journey so far; I am eternally grateful. Specifically, let me use this opportunity to express my deep appreciation to Mr. Jeorge Wilson Kingson of GhanaNewsOnline, Madam Peggy Ama Donkor of GBC, Madam Aku Shika Akwei, Deputy Director of TV, Mr. George Lomotey, Director of TV, Mr. Nii Odatey Lamptey, Mr. Napoleon Ato Kitoe, Mr. Ben Kofi Blay, Rev. Edward Nyarko, and Rev Anim Nketiah, Director General of GBC Prof. Amin Alhassan, and all GBC staff.” He also thanked his family members for their various supports.
So far, Kweku Bolton has won six awards. In November 2023, Bolton won the German Journalism Research Grant. In October 2023, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awarded him the Best Arts and Entertainment Reporter of the Year. In December 2023, he won Best Mining Reporter Broadcast at the 9th Ghana Mining Industry Awards (GMIA). In 2022, Bolton won the maiden MTN Bright Media Award with outstanding reports. He also won the Best Technology and Multimedia Award in 2010.