The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) recently organized a two-day training program for thirty journalists from the Ashanti Region, focusing on investigative journalism and anti-corruption reporting. The aim of the program was to enlighten and equip participants with the necessary skills to combat corruption in Ghana and beyond.
Led by facilitator Ms. Adwoa Adobea-Owusu, a seasoned investigative journalist at MFWA, the training covered various topics including investigative methods, analytical tools, and the importance of courage, confidence, and integrity in investigative works. Participants also learned about developing hypotheses and planning investigations effectively.
During the training, Ms. Adobea-Owusu highlighted the challenges journalists face in accessing information from institutions, despite the existence of laws such as the Right to Information Act (Act 898) and provisions in the 1992 constitution. She emphasized that media organizations and journalists often encounter difficulties and sometimes have to pay substantial sums of money to obtain information, which can impede their ability to carry out effective investigative reporting.
In light of these challenges, Ms. Adobea-Owusu called on the Right to Information Commission to review the Act to reduce the financial burden on journalists seeking information.
Mr. Ohemeng Tawiah, an investigative journalist and Assistant News Editor at Joy News, encouraged aspiring investigative journalists to be courageous in pursuing their goals. His words underscored the importance of determination and bravery in investigative reporting, which plays a crucial role in uncovering corruption and holding institutions accountable.
The training program provided valuable insights and practical skills to journalists, empowering them to play a more active role in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance through their reporting.
