A Catholic priest serving in Bamenda has been recognised for excellence in journalism, as the Cameroon Journalists' Trade Union (CJTU) marked the 2025 edition of World Press Freedom Day in the North West Region.
Reverend Fr. Beltus Asanji, Parish Rector of Our Lady of Mercy Parish Manda-Nkwen, was presented the 'Manaseh Award for Emerging Young Journalist' during the CJTU NW 2025 Awards Café held on 6 May in Bamenda. He emerged winner from amongst several submissions by young practitioners and students of journalism and communication.
The award ceremony was one of the key events marking this year’s observance of World Press Freedom Day under the global theme, “reporting in the brave new world- the impact of Artificial Intelligence on press freedom and the media.”
A digital communicator for the Archdiocese of Bamenda, reporter for ACI Africa, and a student of Communication and Development, Fr. Asanji has emerged as one of the region’s most dynamic young communicators, combining his priestly mission with a growing presence in the media landscape.
Speaking to Hilltopvoices shortly after receiving his award, Fr. Asanji described journalism as a natural extension of his passion for public speaking and accurate information sharing.
“Public speaking and the quest for information has always been my passion... Giving the right information has been my inspiration in journalism. I also think that within the present dispensation, communication should foster development.” he said
Describing the award as a “game-changing experience,” he added that it would serve as a motivation to do more.
“It is a booster in using communication as a tool to effectively bring about development in my community,” he added.
Fr. Asanji said he intends to use his background in journalism and communication to promote community engagement and social responsibility, build bridges between stakeholders, and support the Church in spreading useful and timely information.
His recognition by CJTU comes just months after he was nominated among the Most Influential Personalities in the Bamenda III Municipality in 2024, a nod to his rising impact as both a spiritual and community leader.
Known for his clear, engaging homilies often laced with humour and social insight, Fr. Asanji has also been applauded for his efforts in community building through his parish work. Hilltopvoices covered the Holy Week Triduum at Our Lady of Mercy Parish earlier this year and observed firsthand a priest deeply committed to both spiritual and societal development.
At the CJTU awards event, several other journalists were also honoured across different reporting categories:
Peterkins Manyong Award for Best News Story on Inclusive Development – Wifah Jenevarius Nde
Fawa Agatha's Award for Best Gender Reporting – Neba Jerome
Eric Motumu's Award for Best Health Reporting – Orla Tita Nki
Anye Nde Nsoh's Award for Best Local Initiative Reporting – Gilla Evardine and Veronica Aji
Michael Ndi's Award for Best Foreign News Story with Local Impact – Bakah Derrick
The CJTU North West Awards Café is part of the union’s broader efforts to promote ethical journalism and encourage excellence in a region facing both social challenges and opportunities for media innovation.
In honouring Fr. Asanji, CJTU also highlighted the growing role of non-traditional journalists in shaping the media space, especially those using communication as a tool for development and peacebuilding.
As the 2025 World Press Freedom Day concludes, the message from Bamenda is clear: the voice of a priest can be just as powerful in the newsroom as it is at the altar.
By Bakah Derick
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