A Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST), alumnus, Emmanuel Bright Quaicoe, has been named among 10 recipients of the 2026 IFAJ/Alltech Young Leaders in Agriculture Award.

Mr Quaicoe, who earned a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Biochemistry from KNUST, is a journalist with JoyNews and the only Ghanaian selected for the 2026 cohort of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) Young Leaders programme, which recognises and develops emerging professionals in agricultural journalism and communication.

The 2026 recipients are drawn from 10 countries across four continents, including Argentina, Canada, Germany, the United States, the Netherlands, Kenya, Ireland, Liberia, Ghana and Sweden.

Mr Quaicoe graduated from KNUST with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Biochemistry before pursuing a career in journalism, where his work has included reporting on agriculture, science and related development issues.

His transition from the biological sciences into journalism reflects the increasingly interdisciplinary nature of science and agricultural communication, where scientific knowledge can support the interpretation and communication of complex issues to the public.

Established in 2006 by IFAJ and Alltech, the Young Leaders programme seeks to identify, recognise and develop promising agricultural journalists and communicators under the age of 35.

IFAJ Secretary General Adrian Bell said the programme extends beyond recognising individual achievement to developing professionals who can contribute to the growth of agricultural journalism.

“The IFAJ Alltech Young Leaders programme is not just about recognising and nurturing individual talent, important though that is, but also to bring together those with the ability to apply that talent to lead and develop the wider profession,” he said.

As part of the programme, Mr Quaicoe and the other recipients will participate in a specialised Young Leaders Boot Camp ahead of the annual IFAJ Congress in Croatia.

The programme will expose participants to seminars, discussions, practical challenges, skills-development sessions, career guidance and interactions with agricultural journalists from around the world.