Accra, April 16, GNA- The first National Environmental Awards Night to honour media persons, writers, personalities and organisations for their role in propagating environmental issues would be held in Accra on May 8, this year.

Nine award winners would be presented with cash prizes, shields, certificates and citations, at the ceremony, which would be under the distinguished patronage of Vice President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama.

A release issued on Friday by the Ministry of Science and Environment, signed by Mr Edward O.Nsenkyire, Chief Director said the ceremony would take place at the Novotel Hotel.

It said Journalists to be honoured were Mrs Dzifa Azumah of the Ghana News Agency, Mr Sylvanus Kumi, a feature writer of the Ghanaian Times, Mr Emmanuel Kojo Kwarteng of the Daily Graphic, Mrs Ama Kodom Agyemang and Ms Joyce Gyekye, both of GBC-Radio, and Mr Lovelace Opoku-Agyemang, a Freelance Writer.

The release said the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA), the Green Earth Organisation and the Environmental Development Youth Movement of Have in the Volta Region, were the Non-Governmental Organisations (NGO's) to be honoured.

It said Mr Mike Anane, Veteran Environmental Journalist, and Professor Chris Gordon, an Environmental Scientist of the University of Ghana were to be honoured for the Environmental Personality of the Year Award. Osagyefo Amoatia Ofori Panin II, the Okyehene, would be the Chairman for the ceremony.

The release said this year's ceremony was a departure from the previous years when winners were awarded during annual durbars held to commemorate the World Environment Day on June 5.

The Award was instituted in 2002, to recognise vital role of the media in propagating issues of the environment and motivate Journalists and other writers who promote sustainable environmental management.