Accra, Feb. 27, GNA - Mrs. Oboshie Sai Cofie, Minister of Information and National Orientation on Wednesday expressed her enthusiasm about the choice of Ghana to host the 2008 edition of the CNN African Journalist of the Year Awards.

"We are proud to be hosting this year's event because it is another achievement after the Golden Jubilee celebrations". Speaking during a courtesy call on her Ministry by the organisers of the Awards, she said the occasion would serve as a platform for journalists in the country to enhance their skills and service delivery and also serve as an opportunity for the nation to market itself to the business community in the world.

Giving the genesis of the Awards, Maggie Eales, Turner/CNN Senior Vice President said the concept was developed by Edward Boateng, Managing Director of Global Media Alliance, one of the organisers of the event when he felt that African journalists needed to be commended for their contributions towards the growth of the continent. She said the Awards were opened to African journalists and mentioned the Print, Radio, Television and Photojournalism as some of the categories opened to receive entries.

She said 43 countries participated last year, adding that this year's event would accept entries from Portuguese speaking countries as well.

The Senior Vice President said that the event would be held on the June 19 and that the deadline for the submission of entries had been extended to March 15.

Mr. Boateng said the programme was one of the most well broadcast events on the continent and outside its shores as well and expressed his gratitude to the corporate bodies for their support.