B&FT’s Online Editor, Richard Annerquaye Abbey, has been adjudged the Best in Information Communication Technology reporting at the Flamingo Awards, organised by the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalism (IFEJ).
Mr. Abbey was recognised for his article that raised questions on why the Bank of Ghana sidestepped the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems GhIPSS), its own subsidiary, and awarded to a third party a contract in respect of the project that is supposed to integrate all payment systems in the country.
Following the B&FT’s exposé, the contract, worth about a billion dollars, was iced by the central bank, with Vice-President Mahamud Bawumia directing that GhIPSS be given the mandate to develop the interoperability platform.
Dr. Bawumia later revealed that it would cost just about US$4million for GhIPSS to develop the platform, which is expected to be launched by the first quarter of this year.
Other awardees
Felix Klutse of the Business Day newspaper was adjudged the overall Best Business and Financial Journalist having won two other categories, Best in Finance Reporting and Best in the Business of Health.
Other winners on the night included Rebecca Awuah of Ghana Television, who won the Best in Tourism Reporting.
Jessica Acheampong of the Daily Graphic won the Best in Extractive Reporting whilst the Best in Development Reporting went to Kwabena Adu Koranteng of the New Crusading Guide Newspaper.
The Ghana National Petroleum Corporation supported the awards ceremony, and its General Manager of Sustainability, Dr. Kwame Baah-Nuakoh, pledged the company’s continuous support for business and economic reporting.
He said GNPC was willing to collaborate with IFEJ to develop business and economic journalism.
Dr. Maxwell Opoku Afari, the First Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana, said the importance of Financial Reporting could not be overlooked as it played a critical role in informing and educating stakeholders on new trends for socio-economic development.
Rayborn Bulley, President of IFEJ, said the quality of stories presented for the awards improved and this made it difficult for the panel to determine the winners of the various categories.
He expressed gratitude to sponsors and major stakeholders for the continuous support in empowering financial and economic journalists through IFEJ.
