By Yakubu Ahmed
Bawah Abdul-Mugis, a graduate of the Faculty of Communications and Media Studies, University for Development Studies (UDS) in Tamale, Ghana, has won the inaugural ANAS AREMEYAW ANAS Investigative Journalism Excellence Award.
The recognition, which was established to honor exceptional student journalists, celebrates Abdul-Mugis’s commitment to investigative reporting.
During the award ceremony, held as part of the university’s 25th graduation celebration, Abdul-Mugis was presented with a cash prize of 2,000 Ghana cedis, a plaque, and a citation certificate. “This award is a testament to the power of dedicated journalism and its ability to create change,” Abdul-Mugis remarked.
Bawah Abdul-Mugis winner of ANAS AREMEYAW ANAS Investigative Journalism Excellence Award at University of Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
The first runner-up position was awarded to Asana Saani, who received 1,000 Ghana cedis and a citation certificate.
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Nimatu Abdul-Razak and Joel Laboarileed Duut tied for second runner-up, each receiving 1,000 Ghana cedis and a citation certificate.
The award scheme, sponsored by the investigative firm Tiger Eye PI and renowned journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, was launched earlier this year with a planned 12-year run. “This initiative aims to inspire and nurture future investigative journalists in Ghana,” Anas said.
As part of their commitment to nurturing journalism talent, Anas and Tiger Eye PI are collaborating with international partners, including the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and Cable News Network (CNN), to donate radio and television studio equipment to UDS, in order to encourage hands-on training for students.
Speaking at the graduation ceremony, UDS Vice Chancellor Professor Seidu Alhassan announced the university’s new accreditation to offer degree programmes in law, dentistry, and mental health nursing. He also appealed to the government for additional infrastructure to accommodate growing student and staff needs.
“Our students have the potential to reshape society. We need to give them the tools to excel,” Professor Alhassan stated, congratulating the graduating class of 4,253 students, which included 13 doctorate recipients.
Honorary Doctorate degrees were also conferred upon distinguished citizens of Northern Ghana for their contributions to regional and national development.
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Among the honorees were Alhaji Ibrahim Mahama, a Tamale-based lawyer, and retired politician; Mr. Mahama Iddirisu, a former Defence Minister; Dr. Nong Gao; Mr. Nathaniel Nii Sasah Adams Junior; and the late Dr. David Abdulai of Shekinah Clinic, who was honored posthumously.
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Dr. Mahama Seth Sayibu, Head of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at UDS and coordinator of the award scheme, expressed gratitude to Anas and Tiger Eye PI. “This partnership is a great step in molding future investigative journalists,” he said.
He called on Anas to leverage his international networks to organize training workshops for faculty, enhancing their capacity to teach practical undercover investigative journalism techniques.
