Nathaniel Attoh wins 2026 GJA Sports Journalist of the Year

JoySports journalist Nathaniel Attoh has been named Sports Journalist of the Year at the 30th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Awards.

Attoh, affectionately known as Citizen Attoh, received the award at a ceremony in Accra on Saturday, November 7, beating competition from Media General’s Bill Eshun to claim the top prize.

He was recognised for his documentary, The Audacious Leap, which tells the inspiring story of Ghanaian para-athlete Gilbert Ampiah and his determination to overcome physical challenges to pursue his athletics ambitions.

Originally aired on JoyNews on May 19, 2025, the documentary follows Ampiah’s journey as a high jumper at St Augustine’s College in Cape Coast, where he was a 16-year-old student at the time of production.

For the documentary, Attoh visited the school and spoke to people who have played significant roles in Ampiah’s development, including his father, teachers, trainers and colleagues.

Born with a leg deformity, Ampiah has defied the odds to establish himself as one of Ghana’s promising junior para-athletes, with ambitions of competing at the highest level internationally.

His training performances ahead of the 2025 inter-schools competition attracted widespread attention on social media, bringing his talent and determination to a wider audience.

Ampiah’s achievements include clearing 1.60 metres at Ekumfi Atwa in 2023, where he competed against able-bodied athletes, before setting a personal best of 1.82 metres at the inter-house competition at St Augustine’s College.

He has also made his mark internationally, winning bronze in the High Jump T44 category at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan International Para Athletics Meeting in Marrakech, Morocco.

Ampiah cleared 1.73 metres to secure his first international medal.

Attoh’s triumph marks the third consecutive year that a JoySports journalist has won the prestigious award.

He follows Muftawu Nabila Abdulai, who won the Sports Journalist of the Year title in 2024 and 2025.

The award was presented by the Chief Executive Officer of Wembley Sports Construction, who also announced a cash prize of GH¢50,000 for Attoh in recognition of his outstanding work.