“Time and again, Ghanaians have chosen Constitutional rule over autocracy, and shown a democratic spirit that allows the energy of your people to break through. We see that in leaders who accept defeat graciously, and victors who resist calls to wield power against the opposition. We see that spirit in courageous journalists like Anas Aremeyaw Anas, who risked his life to report the truth. We see it in police like Patience Quaye, who helped prosecute the first human trafficker in Ghana. We see it in the young people who are speaking up against patronage and participating in the political process,” Obama told Ghana’s Parliament on Saturday.
Speaking to AfricaNews on Sunday, a visibly elated Anas said he has been vigorously energized and encouraged with Obama’s public pronouncement about his works. “This is too sweet to hear from the world’s most powerful man. I never knew my investigative pieces are receiving his attention. What an encouragement! He makes me proud but humbled too at the same time to continue serving mankind,” Anas said.
The young journalist who is nick named FBI added: “I have received about 14 international awards and still counting but listening to Obama mentioning my name in public to millions of people across the world is more than an award. I am so touched. I hope it would also serve as an encouragement to my other colleague journalists to continue with the good job they are doing.”
Anas, who is the reigning Ghana Journalist of the Year, was full of praise to his editor-in-chief Kweku Baako Jnr for mentoring him up to this stage. “I salute him (Baako). I must not forget all the encouragements and support I have had from all my senior colleagues and younger ones too. We deserve such an honour from Obama.”
Anas’ recent investigative work led to the arrest of a Chinese sex trafficking ring in the capital Accra. The trafficker and his accomplices were jailed to a total of 36 years. He has worked on several cases that led to the rescue of several trafficking victims and unearthing of corruption scandals.
Click to read some of Anas' stories on AfricaNews
US President Barack Obama paid tribute to Ghanaian ace investigative journalist and AfricaNews' reporter Anas Aremeyaw Anas for his selfless work towards humanity. Obama said the democratic dispensation in Ghana is worth emulating across the continent to boost press freedom and governance.
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