EIB Network video journalist Noah Nash Hoenyefia has been honoured for his outstanding science journalism by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) at its 2025 media awards in Accra.
Noah received the award in the Television Category for his feature story titled “Cowpea Farmers Call for Smart Research Technology Over Insect Pests.”
The award-winning piece centres on the genetically modified (GM) Songotra T cowpea. The story was praised for its accuracy, depth, and balanced reporting style. It effectively addresses the potential of biotechnology to transform agriculture in Ghana while also highlighting the challenges faced by farmers regarding insect pest infestations.
The OFAB Media Awards, organized by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology (OFAB) Ghana Chapter, were held on Friday, October 31, 2025, at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Institute for Scientific and Technological Information (CSIR-INSTI) in Accra.
This year’s event was celebrated under the theme: “Promoting Credible and Balanced Science Reporting for Quality Seed Development and Food Security in Ghana.”
A Story Rooted in Science and Farmer Voices
In his award-winning report, Noah Nash examined how farmers in Ghana are using science to fight the Maruca pod borer, a major pest that damages cowpea crops.
He focused on the Songotra T cowpea, Ghana’s first genetically modified cowpea, created by local scientists to resist the Maruca insect. The report included stories from farmers, researchers, and policymakers, mixing personal experiences with scientific facts.
“One farmer told me about the sleepless nights spent protecting their crops from pests,” Noah said. “The Songotra T variety gives them hope. It’s a smart solution that protects their harvests and reduces the need for harmful insecticides.”
Noah’s reporting showed how farmers in northern Ghana have started to use the Songotra T cowpea. One farmer called for technological innovations to reduce reliance on insecticides, noting that scientists at the CSIR-Savannah Agricultural Research Institute (SARI) have the capacity to provide solutions. Farmers believe that when biotechnology is used responsibly, it can increase productivity, ensure food security, and help Ghana achieve economic growth led by science.
OFAB Celebrates Credible Science Reporting
The OFAB established the Media Awards to honour journalists who uphold credibility and factual accuracy in science communication.
This year’s winners were recognized for their ability to report complex scientific issues in accessible ways. Noah’s story was particularly notable for its objectivity and for giving a voice to smallholder farmers affected by agricultural challenges.
Dr. Richard Ampadu-Ameyaw emphasized the importance of journalists in bridging the gap between scientists, policymakers, and the public, urging them to engage in evidence-based reporting. “Policymakers must have access to scientific information,” he stated during the ceremony.
Professor Kenneth Danso, the event’s chairman, highlighted the impactful stories of journalists from the Northern Region and praised Noah Nash and Solomon Gumah, a reporter with the Ghana News Agency, for making science understandable and promoting dialogue on biotechnology.
Other past awardees, including Gloria Anderson and Kwame Gyesi Zadok, also urged journalists to prioritize evidence-based reporting, stressing the need to build trust with farmers, scientists and regulatory institutions. They believe food security can be eliminated when science plays a key role in agriculture.
Honouring Ghana’s Science Journalism Champions
The 2025 OFAB Media Awards convened journalists, scientists, and policymakers to acknowledge the vital role of the media in facilitating informed public discourse surrounding biotechnology. The event underscored the necessity for sustained collaboration among these stakeholders.
Noah’s award signifies the importance of balanced reporting in an age where misinformation about biotechnology and genetically modified organisms can proliferate. His article not only provided essential information but also addressed and clarified common misconceptions regarding GMOs, illustrating that scientific innovation can harmoniously coexist with environmental sustainability and the empowerment of farmers.
In his acceptance speech, Noah remarked, “This award is not just for me; it is for every farmer, researcher, and journalist striving diligently to ensure that science meets the needs of our communities. Credible journalism serves as a crucial bridge between the laboratory and the agricultural field.”
About the OFAB Media Awards
The OFAB Media Awards is an initiative of the African Agricultural Technology Foundation (AATF) and facilitated in Ghana by the OFAB Ghana Chapter. These prestigious annual awards aim to recognize and honour excellence in science journalism across a range of platforms, including print, radio, television, and online media.
Source: www.KumasiMail.Com/JosephZiem
