The Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) has launched the 7th edition of its annual media awards to celebrate and award three winning journalists in the Television, Radio and Print & Online categories.

This was initiated to promote excellence in science journalism and appreciate the contribution of journalists in promoting agricultural biotechnology.

Driven by a vision of food security and agriculture-driven economic development in Africa, OFAB enhances knowledge and awareness of agricultural biotechnology to build an understanding of the technology and inform decision-making.

The award seeks to reward the critical roles journalists play in promoting constructive dialogue on modern biotechnology through responsible, professional, ethical, and effective reporting in all ten of its member countries, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Rwanda, Mozambique, and Malawi.

Applications must include a brief synopsis, about 150 words of the stories submitted, a maximum of three for each category, about 150-word professional biography, and a brief 200-word piece explaining the motivation for each story submitted.

It also includes a digital passport-size photo, a copy of National Identification or passport and evidence of Media Accreditation or membership of a National Media Association.

During the launch, Dr Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw, National Coordinator, OFAB, said to be eligible, articles submitted for consideration should have been published from June 2023 to August 30, 2024.

He said previous award winners were not eligible to participate in this year’s competition but runners-up from previous years were eligible.

The National Coordinator said an independent judging committee would select the winning entries based on scientific accuracy, initiative, originality, clarity of interpretation, and value in fostering a better public understanding of agricultural biotechnology and its impact on society.

Entries should be submitted to ofabghana@outlook.com and active links or URLs to published articles should also be added to the documents submitted no later than September 15, 2024, Dr. Ampadu-Ameyaw said.

Winners of the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology media awards in Ghana get the chance to participate in the African level of the OFAB Media Awards