2 journalists with Media General's Connect FM pick awards at Western Regional Media and CSI Awards

Ebenezer Atiemo and Portia Nana Yaa Cudjoe from Media General's Connect FM in Takoradi in the Western Region have been honoured for excellence in journalism at the Western Regional Media and Corporate Social Investment (CSI) Awards held in Takoradi. The awards ceremony, organised by the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Western Regional Chapter, was held under the theme 'Reporting Progress, Investing in People.' Ebenezer Atiemo received the Award for Excellence in Community Development Reporting for his coverage of a self-help initiative undertaken by the youth of Benso in the Western Region. His award-winning report highlighted how residents, particularly the youth, mobilised resources and embarked on an ambitious project to gravel about 20 kilometres of roads in the community amid concerns over inadequate government attention to their infrastructure needs. The report brought national attention to the determination and resourcefulness of the residents while highlighting the broader development challenges confronting communities across the resource-rich Western Region. It also raised questions about the level of public investment in critical infrastructure in communities that contribute significantly to Ghana's economy. For her part, Portia Nana Yaa Cudjoe was honoured with the Award for Excellence in Agricultural Affairs Reporting. She was recognised for her reporting on how the expansion of rubber cultivation is af"])self.__next_f.push([1,"fecting palm oil production in the Ahanta West Municipality. Her reportage examined the changing agricultural landscape and highlighted concerns surrounding land use, farming livelihoods and the impact of the growing rubber industry on traditional palm oil production. They expressed appreciation to their colleagues at the Connect FM newsroom for the support and professional guidance that have contributed to their growth as journalists. They also acknowledged the role of Shirley Ewurama Smith, Bureau Chief and News Editor, for Western and Central regions whose mentorship and editorial guidance they credited as instrumental in shaping their careers.