Ghanaian journalist wins 2010 CNN Award

Mr Kofi Akpabli, a Ghanaian Freelance Journalist, has been awarded the 2010 CNN MultiChoice African Journalists Arts and Culture Award at a ceremony in Uganda. Kofi, who is also a stringer for Daily Graphic, won for his story “The Serious Business of Soup in Ghana,” which was chosen from among 2074 entries from 40 nations across the African Continent.

A release copied to the Ghana News Agency by Mr Akpabli said the award was presented by John-Allan Namu, CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2009.

Mr Arlindo Lopes, Secretary General of Southern African Broadcasting Association and member of the judging panel, said: “Kofi Akpabli successfully tells the story of the place and importance of soup in Ghanaian culture”.

Soup, according to the writer, is not just a gastronomic element but also plays a key role in literature, tradition, art and geographical setting, in short, in the whole culture of Ghana.

“The story is also told through a delightful, well crafted and engaging writing which compels the reader to taste the soup,” Mr Lopes said.Parisa Khosravi, Senior Vice President of International Newsgathering for CNN Worldwide, said: “Each year, the men and women who enter these awards prove that they have the determination, professionalism and courage to showcase Africa's stories to the world.

“In doing so, they highlight the depth and strength of journalism across the continent.”