Accra, Oct. 23, GNA – Ghana News Agency’s Editor Albert Oppong-Ansah has been named a recipient of the 2025 Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards for Excellence in Science Communications.
The prestigious international honour, presented in partnership with the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, celebrates individuals and teams who demonstrate outstanding talent in communicating science in ways that are accessible, engaging, and impactful to broad audiences.
Mr. Oppong-Ansah, who heads the Environment, Science, Energy, and Agriculture Desk at the GNA, was recognised for his exceptional storytelling that connects scientific research, environmental policy, and human experiences.
His selection places him among a distinguished group of global science communicators committed to bridging the gap between science and society.
His works have been published by Sci.Dev, D+C and Inter Press Service (IPS), Thomson Reuters Foundation News, Al Jazeera, Reliefweb, and World Hunger News, among others.
Among his most notable recent pieces are: “Air pollution in slums sickening children; harming brain development” – a powerful investigative feature that revealed how toxic air in urban informal settlements exposes children to long-term respiratory and cognitive harm, drawing attention to Ghana’s weak urban air quality monitoring systems.
“Ghana’s old polluting cars are ‘killing people silently’ – experts” – a story that unpacked scientific findings on vehicular emissions, linking poor transport policy and aging fleets to rising respiratory illnesses and premature deaths, particularly in Accra.
These works highlight his ability to translate complex environmental data into compelling human stories that inspire dialogue and policy reflection.
As part of the recognition, Mr. Oppong-Ansah will join other awardees at a Science Communication Summit in Washington, D.C., from November 11 to 14, 2025, where he will engage with leading scientists, communicators, and policymakers.
Mr. Oppong-Ansah has about seven national awards to his credit, from organisations including the Ghana Journalists Association and Nuclear Regulatory Authority.
He described the new honour as a recognition not only of his personal work but of the growing role of African journalists in promoting science and environmental literacy.
“This award is a huge encouragement, not just for me, but for all journalists in Ghana and Africa who work tirelessly to make science and environment reporting matter to the public,” he said.
“It reminds us that science communication can change how societies think, act, and plan for a better future.”
He expressed gratitude to the management of the Ghana News Agency, New Narrative, Afri-SET, his mentors, collaborators, and scientists whose openness and expertise have supported his storytelling journey.
The Eric and Wendy Schmidt Awards, part of the Schmidt Futures initiative, honour exceptional communicators who use evidence-based storytelling to expand public understanding of science and its relevance to everyday life. https://www.nationalacademies.org/awards/excellence-in-communication/winners/albert-oppong-ansah
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie