Ivan K. Heathcote-Fumador, a former employee of EIB Network’s Ultimate FM/GHOne TV, has been shortlisted alongside 18 other journalists as a finalist for the 2026 Ashanti GJA Media Excellence Awards.
Heathcote-Fumador, has previously won two Best Journalist awards at the Ashanti GJA Awards for his work in Agriculture Reporting and Environmental Sanitation and Hygiene Reporting. He has further received six second-runner-up awards in previous Ashanti GJA Best Reporter categories and a citation recognising his distinction as a journalist with visual impairment.
The theme for this year’s awards, “Celebrating Excellence, Championing Credibility: Journalism in the Age of AI,” strikes a critical chord in the dynamic age the media landscape finds itself, highlighting the revolution, opportunities and challenges the expanding frontiers of artificial intelligence presents modern day journalists.
The grand event, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2026, will celebrate outstanding journalism and honour media practitioners whose work has made a significant impact in the Ashanti Region.

The 19 finalists will compete across categories including Sports, Education, Investigative Journalism, Arts and Entertainment, Business and Economy, Environment, Science and Climate, Crime and Court, Agriculture, and Community Impact Journalism.
Other categories include Best Feature, Best Columnist and Best Documentary.
In honor of veteran Journalists and a gesture of goodwill between the noble profession of journalism and the Manhyia Palace, the Kofi Badu Veteran Award christened after THE Chief of Staff at the Manhyia Palace, Kofi Badu will be instituted to herald the occasion.
This year’s event is sponsored by Logiest Group Limited, Longford Royal Event Centre, Jofel Catering Services and Clearpac Mineral Water.
By: Ivan Heathcote – Fumador


