Graphic Business journalist wins IFEJ award

A journalist with the Graphic Business, Mr Maclean Kwofi, has been adjudged the best in business/manufacturing reporting at the seventh Flamingo Awards held in Accra last Friday (February 25).

He faced stiff competition from other shortlisted journalists from both public and private media houses in the country. In all, 36 total entries were received for all nine categories, but only seven categories qualified for awards.

The award scheme organised by the Institute of Financial and Economic Journalism (IFEJ) seeks to recognise journalists and editors who provide high quality coverage of the business and financial environment in the country.

It was on the theme “The Impact of the Covid-19 Pandemic on Business Resilience and Recovery in the Ghanaian Economy”.

IFEJ believes better, accurate and in-depth reporting of the economy will generate more interest and a better-informed public on Ghana as an investment destination.

The article

Mr Kwofi was recognised for his article “6 Years after completion: Artisan Centre stands idle - Structure deteriorates” which was published in the Daily Graphic on June 4, 2021.

The article brought the attention of the government to an abandoned Bamboo, Cane and Rattan Village, put up at a cost of $416,000 to serve as a permanent abode for the artisans in the Greater Accra Region, particularly those who were affected by the construction of the George Walker Bush (N1) and the Akuapem highways.

It highlighted the importance of a craft village as a manufacturing hub for artisans who operate in the micro, small and medium enterprise space when operationalised.

The citation

A citation accompanying the award read: “The focus of the winning entry in the Best in Business/Manufacturing Category of the IFEJ Flamingo Award 2021 was not on the typically glamorous business or manufacturing activity.

“It rather looked at a project in a rural setting which, nonetheless, has the potential to generate socio-economic benefits far and wide.

“The reportage stood out as a typically original, self-generated piece of journalistic endeavour which was well done and followed all the journalistic code and ethics, including drawing on multiple sources for relevant data.

“The presentation was made in simple and clear language. The author made a conscious effort to point to needed policy actions and impact public policy and direction, as well as the community spirit behind projects of this nature.”

Other winners

The Editor-In-Chief of the African Eye Report, Mr Masahudu Ankiilu Kunateh, was adjudged the overall Best Business and Financial Journalist having won two other categories, Best in Natural Resources and Health.

Other winners included Mr Kingsley Asare (Ghanaian Times), who won the Best in Financial Reporting and Mr Edward Adjei Frimpong, who also won three different awards on the night.