GACC Trains Northern Zone Journalists on 2024 Auditor-General's Report

The Ghana Anti- Corruption Coalition (GACC), in collaboration with the Ghana Audit Service and with support from the Hewlett Foundation held a two (2)- day training workshop in Tamale for journalists from the Northern Zone comprising the Northern, North East, Savannah, Upper East and Upper West Regions.

The workshop aimed to strengthen the capacity of broadcast journalists to effectively analyze and report on the 2024 Auditor-General’s Report.

The participants were taken through practical lessons on understanding audit findings, identifying irregularities, and producing investigative follow-up stories that drive public accountability.

Facilitator Mr Frederick Lokko Assistant Director of Audit/Information Officer and an experienced investigative journalist Mr Kwetey Nartey of Multi-Media Ghana, led interactive discussions on interpreting financial data, tracking the implementation of audit recommendations, and ensuring that citizens are informed about the management of public resources.

At her welcoming address, the Executive Secretary of GACC Mrs Beauty Emefa Narteh underscored the media’s critical role in exposing mismanagement and promoting good governance. “The Auditor General’s Report is not just a document, but an accountability tool. Journalists have the power to turn these findings into stories that protect the public purse”.

She said journalists needed to break down the complex Auditor General reports into simplified information that the public could easily understand.

According to her, doing so would not only raise awareness but also put pressure on duty bearers to implement corrective measures.

“The Auditor-General’s Reports are not just documents to be shelved. They are accountability tools. Journalists must see themselves as the bridge between the technical content and the ordinary citizen, and use their platforms to expose corruption and demand accountability,” she stated.

Participants expressed appreciation for the training, describing it as timely and empowering. They noted that the skills acquired will help them produce clear, accurate and impactful reports that encourage transparency in public financial management.

Source: Mohammed Mutaka |www.diamondfmonline.com |Ghana.