Gloria Hiadzi Remembered as Press Advocate

 By Shine Esi Kwawukumey 

Gloria Hiadzi

Family, friends and Ghana’s media fraternity today gathered at the Christ The King Catholic Church to bid farewell to Gloria Hiadzi, celebrating her enduring legacy as advocate for press freedom.

The solemn burial service drew journalists, broadcasters, civil society actors and policymakers who came not only to mourn but to honour a woman widely regarded as a steady pillar in Ghana’s broadcasting landscape. Hymns filled the sanctuary as tributes painted the portrait of a life defined by service, humility and conviction.

As former Executive Secretary of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), Madam Hiadzi was remembered for steering the Association with diligence and strategic insight. She stood firmly at the intersection of policy, practice and principle, insisting that independent broadcasting was central to Ghana’s democratic architecture.

In a glowing tribute, the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) described her passing as not merely the loss of a colleague but the departure of “a courageous and consistent voice for fairness, independence and responsibility” in the media space. The Association praised her unwavering commitment to protecting broadcasters from undue interference while advocating responsible regulation.

Colleagues recalled her key role in policy drafting and collective advocacy, including her contribution to civil society efforts toward the enactment of Ghana’s Right to Information law. She engaged state institutions with respect, yet never at the expense of principle, believing regulation must serve the public interest without stifling media freedom.

Behind her calm and quiet demeanour, speakers said, was a formidable defender of press freedom. In joint projects between media bodies, she was known for refining communiqués and resolutions softening harsh tones, sharpening arguments and ensuring consensus without diluting resolve.

Her character drew as much admiration as her competence. She was punctual, temperate in language, eloquent in speech and respectful to all. Many testified they never saw her anger, only quiet determination and an unshakeable belief that dialogue could resolve even the fiercest disputes.

Her death on December 24, 2025 a day before Christmas and burial during the Lenten season were described by some mourners as solemn reminders of sacrifice and renewal. Though grief hung heavily in the church, faith anchored the service in hope.

As her mortal remains were committed to the earth, the atmosphere shifted from sorrow to resolve. The media fraternity, united in loss, pledged to defend the independence and professionalism she championed ensuring that though Gloria Hiadzi’s voice is silenced, her cause will speak louder than ever.