News
Media General’s Ibrahim Abubakar adjudged ‘Journalist of the Year’ at the Ghana Cocoa Awards 2022
Media General broadcast journalist, Ibrahim Abubakar has been adjudged ‘Journalist of the
Year’ at the fourth edition of the Ghana Cocoa Awards.
His story on “Cocoa farmer leases part of his farm to illegal miners” was selected as the best
cocoa report of the year.
The report highlighted some challenges cocoa farmers face and how they’re leasing out their
farms to illegal miners.
COCOBOD reacted to the story by engaging the farmers who later rescinded their decision
of leasing out the farm to the miners.
Upon receipt of his award, Ibrahim Abubakar said, “Cocoa is Ghana’s chief agricultural
export and for me anything that affects its production or otherwise must be of interest to
every Ghanaian. Hence, our decision to dig deep on why some cocoa farmers are turning
their farmland into a gold mining site.
“I didn’t have in mind winning an award with the story. The focus was to tell the story in a
way that will set the tone for national discussion and eventually compel decision-makers take
step to address this growing concern”.
Ibrahim, who was excited for the recognition, dedicated the award to his colleague and
cameraman Victor Opoku, who, according to Ibrahim, risked his life to make the story
possible.
More than thirty organisations and individuals were confirmed as finalists in the competitive
categories, and three other personalities accorded honorary awards.
The fourth annual Ghana Cocoa Awards was organised under the auspices of the industry
regulator, Ghana Cocoa Board.
The media segment of the award recognises a journalist who has demonstrated consistency
and depth in reporting on issues on the Ghana cocoa industry value chain.
The initiative is also to appreciate and highlight outstanding achievements by personalities
and organisations in the cocoa value chain.
News
GBBF assistant treasurer, Aurora Commodore-Toppar eyes GOC Treasure slot at Elective Congress on Saturday
The Assistant treasurer of the Ghana Basketball Federation (GBBF), Madam Aurora Commodore-Toppar, has set her sights on becoming the next assistant treasurer of the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) at the upcoming Elective Congress on Saturday.
The daughter of the former Chief Executive Officer of Accra Hearts of Oak, Mr. Emmanuel Martey Commodore-Mensah, will be vying for the position against Bernard Quartey of the Ghana Boxing Federation and Edward Patrick Nii Lante Banerman of the Handball Association of Ghana.
Having had her nomination approved by the GOC’s Electoral Commission, the well-seasoned banker, with over 15 years of rich working experience, believes she is well-suited and positioned to help structure the finances of this esteemed organisation.
In a chat with Spectator Sports, the captain of the bronze-winning 2024 University of Ghana basketball team at the 11th African University Games in Zaire, Nigeria, revealed her commitment to effective and accurate financial management, growth, and development of all associated sports federations.
She said, “I am committed to the growth of the GOC, and I want to offer my financial knowledge to aid in ensuring that the GOC operates with the highest standards of financial governance and set-up.”
According to her, the mission is to help promote the GOC’s agenda widely, and having served for over two decades in sports—especially basketball—in various capacities and roles, she believes this experience will help protect the GOC’s finances.
“If elected as assistant treasurer, I will do my utmost, together with the treasurer, to manage the GOC’s finances, including accounting and financial reporting among others,” she added.
According to her, “Accurate financial record-keeping has been a problem across the board; I will help eradicate this issue.”
Aurora Commodore-Toppar stands for transparency, hard work, and an inclusive work culture, she further added.
The former Aburi Girls’ Secondary School basketball team captain has played pivotal roles in improving sports in the country—especially basketball—including being a member of the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the 2023 Africa Games, an LOC member for the recently concluded Hoop Rave SHS competition, a project lead for FIBA’s “Her World, Her Rules” initiative, chair for the 2024 Fetu Afahye Basketball Tournament, and founder of the Stomp De Yard Basketball Tournament, among others.
BY RAYMOND ACKUMEY
News
113 Cardinals hold 3rd General Congregation in Rome
The 113 Cardinals present in Rome held the third General Congregation on Thursday morning, and announced who will deliver the two pre-conclave meditations.
The Cardinals decided that Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández will celebrate the Mass on the sixth day of the Novemdiales, instead of Cardinal Kevin Farrell.
They agreed that Fr. Donato Ogliari, O.S.B., Abbot of St. Paul Outside the Walls, will deliver the first meditation on Monday, and that Cardinal Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher Emeritus of the Papal Household, will deliver the second meditation at the beginning of the conclave, whose starting date has not yet been decided.
The Cardinals began a conversation about the Church and the world, deciding to hold the next General Congregation on Friday morning at 9:00 AM.
The Director of the Holy See Press Office, Matteo Bruni, told journalists that 61,000 people have paid their respects to the late Pope Francis as of 1:00 PM on Thursday, adding that St. Peter’s Basilica should close at midnight on Thursday, unless large crowds are still queuing to enter.
Following the Pope’s funeral on Saturday, April 26, a Rosary will be held in front of the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Saturday at 9:00 PM.
Mr. Bruni said the burial service for Pope Francis will take place in private.
Starting the morning of Sunday, April 27, the faithful may begin to visit the tomb of Pope Francis at the Marian Basilica.
