By Alieu Ceesay
In a historic first for The Gambia, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) celebrated 12 outstanding West African journalists, including Gambian Sankulleh Janko, at the prestigious ECOWAS Journalism Awards held in Banjul on Friday, July 25, 2025. Janko, a talented young journalist with West African Democracy Radio (WADR) in Senegal, was named Radio Reporter of the Year, spotlighting his exceptional contributions and elevating The Gambia’s profile in the regional media landscape.
The ECOWAS Journalism Awards, the region’s most prestigious recognition for journalists, honored professionals for their commitment to truth, accountability, and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. This year’s ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements but also highlighted the crucial role of a free press in promoting peace, inclusivity, and regional development across the 15-member bloc.
Her Excellency Miatta Lily French, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Banjul, emphasized press freedom as a cornerstone of peace and inclusive development. “These awards represent a strategic initiative by the ECOWAS Commission to strengthen collaboration with the media as key stakeholders in promoting regional integration, security, stability, good governance, diversification, human development, social inclusion, sustainable development, and environmental management,” she said. French noted that the selection committee reviewed over 200 compelling applications from 12 member states, each showcasing the creativity and dedication of West African journalists.
French urged journalists to continue exposing truth, sparking dialogue, and serving as voices for the voiceless, adding, “We remain committed to rebuilding a robust and resilient media ecosystem that reflects the values and voices of West Africans from all walks of life.” She highlighted ECOWAS’s vision to foster regional solidarity among media professionals, with the awards serving as a catalyst for this goal.
Sankulleh Janko’s recognition as Radio Reporter of the Year marks a proud moment for The Gambia. His work at WADR, known for its focus on democracy and development, has been lauded for its depth, clarity, and impact. Janko’s achievement underscores the growing influence of Gambian journalists on the regional stage, further amplified by The Gambia hosting this landmark event.
Mrs. Isatou Keita, President of The Gambia Press Union (GPU), praised the media’s role in regional development while addressing threats to journalists’ safety, restricted access to information, and economic pressures. “These awards are not just recognition but an affirmation and a catalyst for the cornerstone of democracy in regional development,” Keita said. “They are a call to governments, institutions, and citizens to support and protect journalists.” The GPU’s advocacy has been instrumental in advancing press freedom in The Gambia, creating a safer environment for journalists like Janko.
Cordu L. Jabang, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Media, and Broadcasting Services, highlighted the growth of The Gambia’s media under President Adama Barrow’s administration. “We stand in solidarity with all journalists who face threats or challenges in their duties, and we reiterate our collective responsibility to protect and promote their lives,” Jabang said.
The awards recognized excellence across 12 categories: Radio, Online, Television, and Print. Janko’s win in the Radio category joins other recipients who demonstrated innovation and courage in their reporting. The ceremony, attended by regional dignitaries and media professionals, celebrated the resilience and impact of West African journalism.
Hosting the awards, The Gambia solidified its role as a hub for regional dialogue and diplomacy. Janko’s triumph and the event’s success are expected to inspire a new generation of journalists to uphold truth, accountability, and inclusivity, driving progress and unity across West Africa.
