Accra, June 3, GNA - The National Executive Committee of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has congratulated Ghanaian Freelance Journalist, Kofi Akpabli, for winning the Arts and Culture Award at the 2010 CNN MultiChoice Africa Journalists Award ceremony. Mr Akpabli who returned from the award ceremony held in Kampala, Uganda, last Saturday, paid a courtesy call on the Committee in Accra on Thursday.

His award was based on a feature article entitled "The Serious Business of Soup in Ghana" published in a July 2009 edition of the Daily Graphic. GJA President Ransford Tetteh said Mr Akpabli's performance had proven that freelance journalism could contribute to excellence in journalism in Ghana and promote independence of the media. He said his achievement should motivate more freelance journalists to enter such award competitions to showcase journalism in Ghana. Mr Akpabli, a member of the GJA, is the first Ghanaian freelance and print journalist to win a CNN MultiChoice Africa Journalists award since it was established in 1995.

Other Ghanaian Journalists who have so far won the award in various categories are Mrs Joana Mantey, Mrs Loretta Asare, Nee Vanderpuiye, Mr Manfred Ashiboe-Mensah and Mr Israel Laryea, all broadcast journalists. 3 June 10