About 30 Ghanaian journalists trained in investigative journalism and anti-corruption reporting under PAIReD programme

About 30 journalists and media practitioners from across Ghana have undergone intensive training in investigative journalism and anti-corruption reporting to strengthen accountability journalism and expose corruption.

The three-day workshop, organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in partnership with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), forms part of a broader effort to boost the media’s role in promoting democracy and good governance. It was the first in a series on anti-corruption reporting, the Right to Information Act, and data journalism under the theme: “Countering corruption through accountability journalism and improved freedom of expression environment in Ghana.”

The initiative falls under the Participation, Accountability, Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme, a four-year project implemented by GIZ in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance. PAIReD is an initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-financed by the European Union and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Ms Rosemond Ebi-Adwo Aryeetey, Senior Manager for Media, Democracy and Good Governance at the MFWA, said the training was expected to sharpen participants’ ability to expose corruption among elites and urged them to take the opportunity seriously.

Mr Kwaku Lartey Obeng, Component Manager at GIZ, underscored the importance of accountability journalism in curbing corruption, stressing that corruption “robs nations of their future, steals opportunities from children, drains resources meant for the sick, and dashes the hopes of youth.” He noted that the PAIReD programme was designed to strengthen governance systems through enhanced accountability, integrity, and citizen participation.

Facilitators at the training included Mr William Nyarko, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA), who took participants through processes of investigative journalism such as developing story ideas, investigation, and impactful reporting.

Mr Michael Boadi of Transparency International Ghana educated participants on corruption and the country’s anti-corruption framework, including the Corruption Perception Index and relevant legal structures. He further highlighted the gender-differentiated dimensions of corruption, with a focus on reporting sextortion and related practices.

Mr Seth Bokpe, Associate Editor at The Fourth Estate, drew attention to the mental health challenges faced by journalists who often encounter disturbing issues in the line of duty. He urged media houses to provide access to psychologists and support services, especially during high-stress assignments. He also recommended personal coping strategies such as sharing challenges with trusted colleagues, ensuring adequate rest, and maintaining a healthy diet.