By Buertey Francis BORYOR
The Ghana chapter of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) has officially opened submissions for the 8th edition of its annual Media Awards, aimed at recognising journalists who have excelled in reporting on sustainable agricultural biotechnologies.
The awards, which have been running since 2018, seek to promote high-quality science journalism and acknowledge the critical role media professionals play in educating the public about the benefits and advancements of biotechnology in agriculture.
Call for entries opens
Speaking at a media briefing in Accra on Tuesday, Enoch Ilori, Project Officer for OFAB Ghana, announced that the submission window for entries runs from May 1 2024 to August 30, 2025.
He added that, eligible works must have been published or broadcast between June 2024 and August 15, 2025.
“We are looking for journalists who have accurately and creatively reported on agricultural biotechnology, helping the public understand its impact on food security, climate resilience, and farmer livelihoods,” Ilori stated.
He also noted that, entries will be judged based on scientific accuracy, originality, clarity, and their ability to foster public understanding of biotechnology.
“Journalists must submit a short synopsis explaining their motivation for the story, along with their media accreditation and national ID.
“We want stories that break down complex scientific concepts in ways that resonate with ordinary Ghanaians. Whether it’s print, radio, or television, the key is how well the story informs and engages the audience,” Ilori explained.
Focus on Ghana’s biotech milestones
A major highlight of this year’s awards is the emphasis on the country’s first genetically modified crop- the Pod Borer-Resistant (PBR) cowpea, developed by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research-Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (CSIR-SARI) in Tamale.
“This breakthrough is a game-changer for farmers. The PBR cowpea resists the destructive Maruca pest, which previously caused up to 80 percent crop losses, reducing farmers’ reliance on harmful pesticides,” Ilori elaborated.
Exciting prizes and continental opportunities
Furthermore, he said, winners in the Print & Online, Radio, and Television categories will receive cash prizes, smartphones or tablets, and branded gift hampers. More importantly, they will represent the country at the OFAB Africa Media Awards, competing against journalists from nine other African countries for additional prizes in dollars.
“This is not just about local recognition- it is a chance to shine on the African stage,” Ilori added.
How to Apply
Interested journalists should submit their entries via [email protected], including:
A 150-word synopsis of each story (maximum three entries per category)
A professional bio (150 words)
A 200-word explanation of the story’s motivation
A passport photo and copy of media accreditation
Deadline: August 30, 2025.
About OFAB
OFAB is a pan-African initiative fostering dialogue on agricultural biotechnology to enhance food security and economic growth. Operating in 10 countries, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Kenya, it supports evidence-based reporting to guide policymaking and public understanding.
For more details, journalists can contact OFAB Ghana via [email protected].
