By Linda Dede Nyanya Godji
Zaa fm in Tamale and Elmina’s Ahomka fm have received an internationally recognized broadcaster’s award from the George Atkins Communications Award (GACA) and Liz Hughes Award respectively.
Each year, the George Atkins Communications Award (GACA) celebrates an outstanding broadcaster in our network who is committed to family farmers and rural communities and the Liz Hughes Award for Her Farm Radio celebrates a programme team that addresses gender equality and has had an impact on the community.
Alhaji Alhasan Seidu Kayaba of Zaa fm emerged as winner of the George Atkins awards for his agric programme, which educates farmers on best agronomic practices within his community, whilst Ahomka FM’s gender programme dubbed: “the She-Show” hosted by Madam Consuella Kabutey-Ongor, was a runner up for the Liz Hughes Awards.
At an award ceremony organised by Farm Radio International virtually in Accra, the Senior Officer of Radio Network and Radio Resources, Kathryn Burnham stated that the GACA which was instituted 30 years ago, recognises the efforts of broadcasters in Sub- Saharan Africa who have worked tirelessly to serve their listeners.
The Country Director for Farm Radio in Ghana, Benjamin Fiafor, disclosed that the Liz Huges is coming to Ghana for the first since it was introduced a few years ago.
On behalf of the Board Chair of Farm Radio, Anthony Morrison stated that agriculture is very critical to the very survival of human, hence, the need to strengthen the various institutions championing the sector. With this, the award and recognition of these radio stations every year for their efforts in promoting agriculture is crucial to the economy.
Alhaji Kayaba in a remark stated that the award will go a long way to boost his morale to further serve his community in advocating for and educating farmers on best practices to ensure food security.
Likewise, the award for the Ahomka fm’s She-Show programme is the first recognition since its inception in 2017. The host Consuella Kabutey-Ongor expressed optimism that “with this award and recognition, we are poised to do more in promoting gender equality on both our radio and Television station, Ocean 1 TV.”
The winning broadcaster for the George Atkins Communications Award (GACA) received a certificate and a prize of 500 Canadian dollars, the she show team was a runner up for the Liz Hughes Award and received 750 CAD cash prize.
Past winners of the GACA award took turns to share their experiences on how the award impacted their career.
