Mboh Promise Wins Award for Outstanding Investigative Reporting
By Synthia Lateu
Bamenda-based journalist, Mboh Promise, has won a prestigious award for outstanding investigative storytelling under the Open Society Foundations (OSF) Project, emerging among the Best Five Project Stories of the Year.
The OSF-supported project, implemented by the Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists, CAMASEJ, initially selected 10 journalists out of more than 30 submissions before recognising the five strongest stories.
Mboh was honoured in Limbe on January 31 by the Cameroon Association of English-Speaking Journalists (CAMASEJ). He received the award for his story titled “Trauma & Triumph: The Mental Health Recovery Path of Conflict Victims,” which was praised for its sensitivity, depth, and human-centred approach, which was posted on Cameroon News Agency.
Reacting to the recognition, Mboh said “Winning this award at the national level tells me that I am on the right track. I am taking the commitment to use this as a ladder to continue writing and get up there in the future.”
The young journalist explained that he chose to focus on mental health and trauma after realising that thousands of people are suffering from depression and psychological wounds caused by the over nine-year conflict in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions.
“I realized that little or no attention has been given to victims of trauma who have invisible wounds ” he said, regretting that government and international efforts tend to prioritise physical reconstruction and visible injuries.
He described the reporting process as both challenging and a valuable learning experience, particularly due to difficulties in accessing trauma victims.
The three-day CAMASEJ General Assembly and Awards Ceremony brought together hundreds of journalists from all eight chapters nationwide. CAMASEJ National President, Viban Jude, used the occasion to stress the need for unity and strong, cohesive membership within the association.
During the event, Mboh was also recognised for his long-standing dedication, exemplary service, and sustained commitment to the objectives and activities of CAMASEJ within the Bamenda Chapter – where he currently serves as the Assistant Secretary General.
In his 20s, Mboh specialises in reporting on human rights, disability, environment, health, and politics, with a strong focus on the Anglophone armed conflict in Cameroon. He has previously earned a major environmental journalism award from the Cameroon Journalists’ Trade Union in partnership with Cameroon Gender and Environment Watch.
Mboh currently serves as the North West Bureau Chief for Cameroon’s daily, The Guardian Post. He is also a contributor for Cameroon News Agency.
