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COCOBOD reacted to the story by engaging the farmers who later rescinded their decision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.