The Director of Biotechnology and Nuclear Research Institute, Prof Kenneth Danso says for Ghana to developed, it requires a strong agricultural sector which is the bedrock of every society.
Speaking at a media awards organised by the Open Forum on Agricultural Biotechnology, OFAB in Accra, Prof Danso was of the view that scientific technology cannot be left out in the agricultural transformational drive.
He explained that developed countries are food sufficient as result of the scientific methods they adopted in the agricultural sector, adding that most foods imported into Ghana are as a results of the scientific methods they adopted.
These methods he said are not as harmful as been purported. This message he emphasised can only be communicated by the media.
The awards therefore are to honour journalists who have excelled in science reporting with focus on agriculture.
Scientific jargons Prof. Danso intimated can best be broken down through the partnership of journalists and scientists.
He said for the understanding of science to penetrate every aspect of society requires the assistance of the media and journalists in particular.
The coordinator of OFAB Ghana, Dr. Richard Ampadu Ameyaw charged the media not to hesitate to seek clarification from scientists and always be circumspect in their reportage.
He said journalists can participate in the event by filing stories on science and Agriculture biotechnology.
Stories for entry must be published items from June of every year to the following year June.
The award categories are online and print, radio and television. This year’s edition which is the second saw Philip Tengzu of radio Mak in the Upper West Region emerging as the ultimate winner for the radio category.
Prosper Kuorsoh with GNA Wa was adjudged the ultimate winner for the print and online category and Iddi Zibrim Yire also of GNA Accra taking the first runner up position for the print and online category.
They received a plaque, a cash of GH 1000 and 800 cedis respectively and a Samsung galaxy tablet to aid their research work.
Dr. Ameyaw Ampadu was hopeful that many journalists would take keen interest and participate in next year’s events.
Story by: Naa Dzagbley Ago
