GHOneTV’s versatile broadcast journalist, Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman, has won the prestigious Lorenzo Natali Media Prize 2018, a global award run by the European Commission.
Ridwan and other top-class journalists from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America were honoured by the European Commission at a special prize-giving ceremony held at Tour and Taxis in Brussels, Belgium on June 5,2018.
According to the seven-member grand jury for this year’s award, which included Bruce Shapiro, Executive Director of the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma and the BBC’s Africa Editor, Mary Harper, Ridwan’s piece titled “The Price of Thirst” shows powerful storytelling, creativity and innovation.
“The Price of Thirst” provides a captivating narrative of women, men and children walking as far as 30 kilometres just to quench their thirst at what appear to be contaminated unprotected disease infested dams shared by both humans and animals.
The story was broadcasted alongside a social media hashtag activism, #northernlivesmatter which culminated into a national water forum to launch a campaign to solicit support to provide potable water for the deprived communities.
The story’s impact was fast and felt as it attracted support from Vestergaard, a global health company which donated water purification machines to the thirsty communities.
Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman becomes the second Ghanaian to have won the award after Raymond Archer who clinched the title in 2002. Ace investigative journalist, Anas Aremeyaw Anas attempted the awards in 2009 and 2011 but could only emerge a runner up in both years.
Receiving the award Ridwan said: “I hope this story will spur action on water accessibility across the globe. I dedicate this award to my boss Nana Aba Anamoah for believing in my confidence and creativity.”
Ridwan, a graduate of Communication Studies from the Ghana Institute of Journalism, received a trophy and a 5000 Euro cash prize from the European Commission as part of his package.
Ridwan, a multiple award-winning journalist was in May this year, named as a finalist for the 2018 edition of the International Centre for Journalists’ prestigious Michael Elliott Award.
In December 2017, he was adjudged best journalist in Rural Reporting by the Ghana Journalists Association for his compelling story on water challenges in Ghana’s Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia’s hometown.
Earlier in November 2017, the young news anchor and producer was declared best African Journalist in Peace and Security Reporting by the African Media Initiative.
Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman won the award for his courageous and innovative feature on Chieftaincy Clashes in Northern Ghana.
The Natali Prize, which is awarded to journalists who have demonstrated a striking insight and particular dedication to reporting of human rights issues within the context of development, was established in 1992 to promote quality journalism and to commemorate the dedication of former Vice-President of the European Commission, Lorenzo Natali.
Source: Ghana/Starrfmonline.com/103.5FM
