GBC News’ Oforiwa Darko has been shortlisted for the “Journalist of the Year” category of the 2021 Ghana Cocoa Awards.
The 3rd Annual Ghana Cocoa Awards Dinner, which is a flagship initiative of Cocoa Post, is being organized under the auspices of the industry regulator, Ghana Cocoa Board.
“Being the only female award-winning Broadcast Journalist among two other nominees in that category, it is so humbling and enough recognition for my efforts in helping to create a sustainable cocoa value chain in Ghana, by drawing attention to pertinent issues hampering the development of the cocoa sector,” Oforiwa said.
“It is not always about winning, but rather, becoming a catalyst for change in all sectors of the economy, including Ghana’s Cocoa sector, which cannot be overlooked. From poor farm gate pricing, challenges with accessing inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides, poor livelihoods of cocoa farmers, negative impact of climate change on cocoa production, child labour on farms, among others, which were all captured in my news reportage, tagged “The Bitter Side of Cocoa in Ghana – A threat to Cocoa Sustainability”, I believe all Journalists have an integral part to play in the long-term sustainability of the country’s cocoa sector”.
“As the world is currently dealing with the twin crisis; COVID-19 and Climate Change issues, my nomination for this prestigious award scheme will spur me on to help enhance resilience in the Cocoa Sector, since the media is a central actor in ensuring that society becomes a better place for everyone”, according to Oforiwa.
“My heartfelt gratitude goes to God Almighty, for giving me the many gifts in my life including this great feat. When God gives you the grace to live, do not take it for granted, instead, pursue your dreams, touch lives and impact society. This recognition is in honour of GBC, my family, everyone helping to shape my career and for the things that journalism taught me on and off the field”, Oforiwa added.
Ultimate winners would be honored in 30 competitive award categories on November 12, 2021 at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra. The categories include Internal Marketing, Cocoa Financing, Processing, Value Addition, Innovation, Journalism and Sustainability. Three distinguished personalities will also be accorded special recognition for their contribution to the cocoa sector.
The event is set to mark Ghana’s Biggest ever cocoa harvest in 142 years on the theme “Celebrating Ghana’s Historic Cocoa Production Milestone – A Golden Opportunity for the Local Value Addition Agenda’’.
