MFWA Trains Journalists in Investigative and Anti-Corruption Reporting under PAIReD Programme

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has commenced a series of intensive capacity-building workshops aimed at strengthening the capacity of Ghanaian journalists in investigative reporting, data journalism, fact-checking, and the effective use of the Right to Information (RTI) law.

The initiative, which targets 30 selected journalists from the Ashanti, Greater Accra, and the five regions of the North, is part of the Participation, Accountability, Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme. The programme is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-financed by the European Union (EU) and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and implemented by GIZ in cooperation with Ghana’s Ministry of Finance.

The first leg of the training, held from September 23 to 25, 2025, focused on investigative journalism and anti-corruption reporting. It brought together participants to deepen their understanding of corruption and sharpen their investigative skills.

Delivering opening remarks, Rosemond Ebi-Adwo Aryeetey, Senior Programme Manager for MFWA’s Media for Democracy and Good Governance, underscored the importance of a strong and independent media in safeguarding Ghana’s democratic space.

“Journalists must be equipped with the tools to unearth corruption, promote transparency, and hold institutions accountable. Strengthening the watchdog role of the media is critical for deepening democracy and ensuring that citizens can trust governance systems,” she noted.

On his part, Kweku Lartey Obeng, Component Manager at GIZ Ghana, emphasized that effective anti-corruption reporting contributes directly to accountability in governance. He encouraged participants to make the most of the training by applying the new skills to improve their reporting on governance and public accountability.

“We firmly believe that a free, vibrant and empowered media is not a luxury for democracy, it is its lifeblood. That is why, through our Participation, Accountability, Integrity for a Resilience Democracy (PAIReD) programme, we are proud to support this vital work.” Mr Lartey Obeng affirmed.

The three-day workshop featured experienced facilitators who shared practical knowledge and real-world insights into the craft of investigative journalism.

On the first day, Mr. Michael Boadi of Transparency International Ghana (TIG) took participants through the roots, forms, and impact of corruption in the country. He also introduced a critical but often overlooked angle, “gender and corruption” explaining how women and men experience corruption differently and why this must be reflected in reporting.

“Corruption is not gender-neutral. Women, for instance, may be disproportionately affected in accessing public services such as healthcare and education when corruption thrives. Journalists must therefore explore these dimensions in their investigations,” Mr. Boadi stressed.

Day two was led by Mr. William Nyarko, Executive Director of the Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA). His sessions focused on practical investigative methods, including hypothesis development, data sourcing, and protecting whistleblowers. He also introduced participants to emerging artificial intelligence tools that can enhance journalistic research and reporting.

“Technology is not just reshaping the way corruption occurs, but also how it can be investigated. AI tools present new opportunities for journalists to track, analyze, and expose complex corruption schemes,” Mr. Nyarko explained.

On the final day, seasoned journalist Seth Bokpe of The Fourth Estate engaged participants on the realities of investigative journalism. He highlighted the challenges reporters face in pursuing sensitive investigations, including threats, intimidation, and legal pushbacks. Importantly, he urged journalists to prioritize their mental health and wellbeing.

“You cannot tell powerful stories if you are broken. Investigative journalism is demanding and stressful. Learning to protect your mental health is as important as protecting your sources,” Mr. Bokpe advised.

For many of the journalists, the training was timely and relevant. Participants described it as an opportunity not just to enhance their technical skills but also to reconnect with the core values of the profession.

Others expressed appreciation for the focus on mental health, noting that it is an area often neglected in newsroom conversations despite the high-pressure nature of investigative reporting.

The MFWA indicated that two more workshops will follow in the coming months, focusing on data journalism, fact-checking, and leveraging Ghana’s RTI law for accountability reporting. Collectively, the three modules are expected to build a network of skilled journalists capable of strengthening democratic governance through impactful reporting.

The PAIReD programme seeks to promote greater citizen participation, enhance accountability mechanisms, and strengthen integrity systems in Ghana’s democratic governance. By equipping journalists with investigative, data-driven, and fact-checking skills, the initiative underscores the media’s indispensable role in building a transparent and resilient democracy.

As the programme continues, it is anticipated that the trained journalists will not only sharpen their individual reporting but also contribute to a broader culture of accountability in Ghana’s media landscape.

Story by Ewurama Atto|www.diamondfmonline.com