Writchid Snipes, a documentary photographer with the Ghana National Fire Service, won the overall title in the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Ghana “Behind the Plate” Photo Contest 2025. The contest, held as part of World Food Day 2025 and FAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations, invited photographers to capture Ghana’s agri-food systems beyond the meals on the plate, highlighting the people, labour, and landscapes that sustain the nation.
Snipes’ winning photograph depicts a smallholder farmer ploughing land for rice cultivation at Asutuare in the Greater Accra region, a key rice-producing area supporting urban food demands. The image captures the strength, balance, and dedication of farmers at work, emphasizing the vital role of small-scale producers in Ghana’s food security. Reflecting on his win, Snipes expressed that the recognition validated the stories of the people in his photos and amplified their experiences for a wider audience.
A Special Mention was awarded to Michael Ekow Dawson, a Ghanaian travel photographer known for his storytelling and portrayal of human connection. His photograph showcased a farmer and brewer in Yorogo, Upper East Region, illustrating the cultural and generational knowledge embedded in local food production. The image highlighted the cycle of sustenance—from fieldwork to brewing—that continues to feed communities and preserve traditions.
At the awards ceremony in Accra, FAO Representative a.i. in Ghana, Pirya Gudjahur, emphasized that the contest aims to humanize FAO’s work by telling relatable stories about the people and processes behind the country’s food. She noted that the winning photo reflects the balanced ecosystem and mechanization practices FAO promotes to enhance food production.
Both Snipes and Dawson received certificates of recognition, FAO-branded merchandise, a one-day mentorship workshop with a professional photographer, and increased visibility through FAO Ghana’s digital platforms. The contest reinforced the importance of visual storytelling in highlighting the human and environmental aspects of food systems.
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), a specialized UN agency, leads global efforts to end hunger and achieve food security, ensuring that people worldwide have regular access to sufficient, high-quality food to live active and healthy lives.
