The United Press for Developing Network (UPDN) has congratulated Manasseh Azure Awuni for winning the 2023 Norbert Zongo African Prize for Investigative Journalism.

The founding Editor-in-Chief of The Fourth Estate was adjudged the overall best African Investigative Journalist at the awards ceremony held in Burkina Faso.

The Norbert Zongo African Prize for Investigative Journalism is a prestigious accolade that recognizes and applauds exceptional investigative journalism.

In a congratulatory statement signed by President of UPDN, Kofi Asante Mensah, the body praised Manasseh for his extraordinary dedication and excellence saying his work serves as a shining illustration of the profound impact journalism can have on society.

Below is the full statement:

[Ghana, Accra] — United Press for Developing Network (UPDN) is thrilled to extend its warmest congratulations to Mr. Manasseh Azure Awuni, the founding Editor-in-Chief of The Fourth Estate, for his remarkable achievement as the overall best African Investigative Journalist at the 2023 Norbert Zongo African Prize for Investigative Journalism (PAJI-NZ).

The Norbert Zongo African Prize for Investigative Journalism is a highly prestigious award that acknowledges and celebrates outstanding investigative journalism. In a field that demands unwavering dedication and a relentless pursuit of truth, Manasseh Azure Awuni has demonstrated exceptional commitment and excellence. His work stands as a shining example of the impact journalism can have on society.

This year’s awards ceremony, held on a Saturday night in Burkina Faso, was a testament to the enduring importance of investigative journalism. The PAJI-NZ recognized and honoured exceptional investigative works from an impressive pool of 140 entries submitted by journalists and news organizations representing 29 countries.

Manasseh Azure Awuni’s victory is a source of pride not only for him but for the entire journalistic community. His contributions to journalism, ethical reporting, and the tireless pursuit of truth serve as an inspiration to journalists everywhere. We are delighted to have a journalist of his calibre as a member of the UPDN network.

UPDN is committed to supporting and promoting excellence in journalism, and Manasseh Azure Awuni’s achievement aligns perfectly with our mission. We salute his dedication to investigative reporting and his unwavering commitment to upholding the principles of truth, integrity, and transparency.

We extend our gratitude to the organizers of the PAJI-NZ for their dedication to recognizing and celebrating exceptional journalism in Africa. This award serves as a reminder of the crucial role investigative journalism plays in our society.

Manasseh Azure Awuni’s win is not only a well-deserved personal honour but also a triumph for journalism as a whole. His work has the power to effect positive change, and we eagerly anticipate the impact he will continue to make.

Congratulations, Manasseh Azure Awuni, on this momentous achievement. Your dedication to investigative journalism is an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to witnessing your future contributions to the field.