Delali Sika wins Arts and Culture Journalist of the Year at 2024 GJA awards

Annastacia Delali Sika, a reporter with the Daily Graphic won the Arts and Culture Journalist of the Year award at this year’s Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) awards ceremony which took place at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) on Saturday, September 28.

Her story headlined, “Highlife ‘firi tete.’ Taking different forms to suit changing times” and published in the Daily Graphic on Friday, March 3, 2023 brought her the glory as the Arts and Culture journalist in the year under review.

Sika has spent over a decade covering arts, culture, and entertainment stories when she was a reporter with Graphic Showbiz, where she honed her skills as an arts writer.

Her time at Graphic Showbiz undoubtedly fueled her passion for the arts where she interviewed the crème de la crème of Ghana’s entertainment industry and beyond.

And as she recollects her journey of success, she tells Graphic Showbiz that she is eternally indebted to the editors whose unwavering support and constructive feedback propelled her to greater heights.

“I sincerely thank my present and past editors; Samuel Doe Abblodepey, Adwoa Serwaa Bonsu, and Nanabanyin Dadson, for their mentorship, guidance, all these years.

“Winning this award is such an honour. It represents not only my passion and dedication but also the endless possibilities that come with telling the stories of Ghanaian culture,” she said. 

“I’ve always believed that art is a powerful medium for social change, and through my work, I aim to capture the essence of our culture and how it influences society.Ghana’s creative industries have so much to offer, and I’m committed to telling these stories,” she said.

Apart from Delali Sika, other winners from Graphic Communications Group Ltd were Edmund Smith-Asante who picked double awards; Columnist of the Year and Domestic Tourism Reporter of the Year, with his colleagues Kester Aburam Korankye being awarded with the Best Feature (Print) award, demonstrating his mastery of in-depth storytelling; Timothy Ngnenbe taking home the Print News Reporter of the Year award and Emmanuel Bruce, excelled in Business and Finance reporting.

Profile of Delali Sika

Annastacia Delali Sika is an award-winning journalist with a focus on arts, culture, and social commentary. She currently works as a reporter with Graphic Communications Limited (Daily Graphic) and has over a decade years of experience in journalism, social media marketing, and media production. 

Sika holds a BA in Communication Studies and a Diploma in Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism. 

She also earned a Diploma in Development Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, where she was awarded the Overall Best Student Award in 2015. 

Her work as a journalist has earned her multiple recognitions, including the 2020 Best Worker Award (Graphic Showbiz) and the prestigious Arts and Culture Journalist of the Year award at the 2024 GJA Awards.

Beyond journalism, Sika is the CEO of Dasy Hair, blending her creative skills with entrepreneurship.

 She is also a certified Virtual Assistant from ALX, adding digital expertise to her skill set.

Source: Graphic online