Asempa FM's O.B. Clinches GJA Journalist of the Year at Historic 30th Awards

Philip Osei Bonsu, the sharp-tongued and intellectually formidable host of Asempa FM's current affairs programme Ekosiisen, has been crowned the 2026 Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Journalist of the Year — the most prestigious individual accolade in Ghanaian journalism. The honour was bestowed at the 30th GJA Media Awards held in Accra on Saturday, 7th November 2026, under the theme "Celebrating Excellence, Advancing Media Freedom and Combating Hate Speech in the Digital Age."

Who is O.B.?

Popularly known as O.B., Philip Osei Bonsu is one of the most recognisable voices on Ghanaian radio. His late-afternoon programme, Ekosiisen, has earned a loyal following for its rigorous interrogation of political and public affairs — a space where politicians and policy makers are routinely held to account before a mass audience.

Beyond his microphone, O.B. carries a remarkable academic and professional pedigree. He holds a First Class Honours degree in Linguistics and Theatre Arts from the University of Ghana, a Distinction-level MSc in Corporate Communication and Public Affairs from Robert Gordon University in Scotland, and an LLB from Central University. In October 2024, he was formally called to the Ghana Bar after completing his legal training at the Ghana School of Law — making him both a seasoned broadcaster and a qualified lawyer.

His global exposure is equally impressive. O.B. is a Tullow Scholar and a 2017 Mandela Washington Fellow, having studied at the University of San Diego under the prestigious United States government-backed leadership programme. In January 2026, he was also listed among Avance Media's inaugural Top 100 Ghanaians Powerlist 2025 in the media category.

He currently serves as Programmes Manager at Asempa FM, a subsidiary of the Multimedia Group Limited, one of Ghana's largest and most influential media conglomerates.

Why it matters for Ghana

The GJA Journalist of the Year award is not merely a trophy — it is a statement about the kind of journalism Ghanaians value. At a time when the media landscape is being reshaped by social media, misinformation and declining trust in institutions, the recognition of a practitioner known for depth, accuracy and accountability sends a clear message about where the bar should be set.

The 30th edition of the awards is itself a milestone, marking three decades of the GJA formally celebrating media excellence in Ghana. The theme this year — focusing on media freedom and combating hate speech in the digital age — reflects the very real pressures facing journalists across the country, from online harassment to economic pressures on newsrooms.

O.B.'s dual identity as a journalist and a lawyer also points to an evolving media environment where reporters covering complex issues of governance, corruption and constitutional law increasingly need to understand the legal frameworks they report on. His ascent may well inspire a new generation of Ghanaian journalists to invest in broader professional development.

Luv FM's Clinton Yeboah was also among the night's honourees, claiming the Best Radio Feature award — a reminder that broadcast journalism continues to thrive across Ghana's regions, not only in the capital.

O.B. pays tribute to his team

True to form, O.B. did not take sole credit for the recognition. Speaking after an earlier honour earlier in the year, he was clear that the accolade belonged to those who work alongside him. "This recognition truly reflects the hard work and sense of professionalism of my incredible team on EKOSIISEN. It also reflects the sense of duty and dedication to my chosen professions: Broadcast Journalism and Law," he said.

That humility, combined with an exceptional body of work, appears to have made O.B. the standout choice for Ghana's highest journalistic honour in 2026.