Founder and Chief Executive Officer of RTP Awards Africa, Dr. Prince Emmanuel Markey, has rejected claims that nominees or winners pay money to secure nominations or awards, describing the allegations as unfounded and misleading.
Speaking on Starr Showbiz with Feeling Daddy on Friday, January 24, 2026, Dr. Markey stated, “At no point in the history of RTP Awards has anyone paid to be nominated or to win an award.”
He challenged critics to present evidence to back the long-standing accusations, noting that similar claims in the past nearly led to the collapse of the awards scheme despite lacking factual proof.
Addressing perceptions that Angel Broadcasting Network (ABN) receives preferential treatment, Dr. Markey dismissed the narrative, insisting that available records contradict such claims.
“There was a year people kept referring to, but ABN won only four awards, which was the same number won by other media houses,” he said, adding that “Despite Media Group actually won more than 12 awards that year.”
Dr. Markey stressed that RTP Awards decisions are based strictly on performance and merit within defined assessment periods and are not influenced by media affiliations or personal relationships.
He cited television host Akua Amoakowaa as an example, explaining that her repeated nominations without a win undermine allegations of bias.
“She has been nominated for years because she is active and visible on television, but she has never won an RTP Award,” he stated.
He further referenced veteran broadcaster Uncle Freddie, noting that his consistent attendance at RTP Awards ceremonies makes him well acquainted with the scheme’s processes and history, thereby countering claims of manipulation.
While acknowledging that public criticism has at times placed pressure on the awards scheme, Dr. Markey maintained that RTP Awards remains committed to fairness and transparency. “We listen to feedback, but public campaigns do not influence our decisions,” he said.
He urged critics to verify award records before making allegations, emphasizing that the facts are publicly available.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh / Barbara Yeboah
