Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA)

Last week, we launched the West Africa Network of Activists and Media Defense Lawyers (WANAMDEL), a group of defence lawyers to provide timely and effective legal assistance to journalists and activists who have become victims of legal harassment. Read more about WANAMDEL: https://lnkd.in/dExmBF8Q

I am highly delighted to be part of the 4th edition of Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA), Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship. As part of the organisation's efforts to increase independent investigative reporting and fact-checking that highlight issues of corruption, accountability, inequality and human rights and prompt responses or redress measures by appropriate authorities, the capacities and skills of young investigative journalists are build in order to do quality journalism in Ghana in particular and West Africa as a whole. Maxwell Mensah Osman Abubakari-Sadiq Josephine Badu-Nyarko #mfwa #NGIJ #media #Ghana #WestAfrica

A Visit to the RTI Commission Today, as part of the Next Generation Investigative Journalism (NGIJ) Fellowship, our cohort led by Josephine Badu-Nyarko and Paul Gozo ventured into the heart of Ghana's transparency landscape – the Right to Information (RTI) Commission. The anticipation was palpable as we arrived at the Commission's office, eager to unravel the mysteries of accessing information. Our host, Right To Information Commission’s Executive Secretary, Yaw Sarpong Boateng, warmly welcomed us and delved into the Commission's mandate: ensuring citizens' right to access information held by public institutions. With infectious enthusiasm, they explained the RTI law's significance in promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance. As we toured the office, we gained insight into the Commission's inner workings. We saw firsthand how requests for information are processed, the challenges faced, and the triumphs achieved. The team's dedication to bridging the information gap between citizens and government institutions was inspiring. My notes include: 1.⁠ ⁠Understanding the RTI law and its application 2.⁠ ⁠Navigating the information request process 3.⁠ ⁠Overcoming obstacles to access 4.⁠ ⁠The Commission's role in promoting transparency Our visit to the RTI Commission was a sobering reminder of the power of information. As journalists, we recognize the critical role we play in holding those in power accountable. The RTI law is a potent tool in our arsenal, enabling us to uncover truths and shed light on critical issues. We left the Commission's office empowered, equipped with knowledge to navigate the complex information landscape. Our resolve to utilize the RTI law in our investigative endeavors was strengthened. The NGIJ Fellowship by Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA), The Fourth Estate and Fact-Check Ghana with the support of DW Akademie, continues to shape our perspectives and skills. Today's visit reinforced the importance of collaboration between journalists, civil society, and government institutions in promoting transparency. As we continue on this journey, we remain committed to utilizing our newfound knowledge to drive positive change. #ngijfellowship #maxgator #MFWA #journalism #RTI

Advancing Transparency and Accountability! Last Friday, our NGIJ training cohort visited the RTI Commission office, deepening our understanding of the Right to Information's pivotal role in promoting open governance. We gained valuable insights into the commission's efforts to ensure citizens' access to information and witnessed the power of informed citizenship in action. Empowered with knowledge, we're committed to championing transparency and accountability in our respective spheres! Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA), The Fourth Estate, Fact-Check Ghana, Josephine Badu-Nyarko, Paul Gozo and DW Akademie #NGIJTraining #RTICommission #Transparency #Accountability #GoodGovernance #InformedCitizenship"

I picked up the 2024 Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Media Africa Journalism Award in Berlin, Germany a few weeks ago. A story I worked on with Adwoa A. emerged among the best three out of over 400 entries received from both Francophone and Anglophone Africa. Thanks to KAS Media Programme for Sub-Saharan Africa for the opportunity, and colleagues from Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA) and The Fourth Estate for the support. #Journalism #InvestigativeJournalism #Impact

On Friday, October 11, we had the privilege to visit the Right To Information (RTI) Commission. It was such a wonderful and enlightening opportunity to understand the commission's efforts in fostering a culture of openness in sharing information. Thank you RTI, will definitely be back sometime. Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA) #NGIJ #mfwa #RTI #journalism #investigativejournalism #accountability #impactfuljournalism

We have commenced a 5-day residential training to equip journalists in Ghana with the skills, expertise and tools to report on Illicit Financial Flows. The training is part of a series of workshops under our project 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬: 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐛 𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐢𝐭 𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐟𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐬𝐮𝐛-𝐬𝐚𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚. The project is being implemented with funding support from the Thomson Reuters Foundation, based in the UK.

Tomorrow at our public forum, we launch 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐚 𝐍𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐀𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐚 𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐰𝐲𝐞𝐫𝐬. It is a dedicated network of human rights defence lawyers across West Africa. Watch the promo below. Join us or follow the updates here. #defendpressfreedom

As part of efforts to counter mis/disinformation ahead of Ghana's elections, we are embarking on a series of media capacity building interventions across the country. One such intervention aims to enhance the media's understanding of the electoral processes to ensure fact-based reporting and programming. A few days ago in Ho in the Volta Region, we commenced a series of one-day capacity building workshop that brings journalists together with Ghana's election management body, Electoral Commission Ghana, to engage on the ongoing electoral processes ahead of Ghana's December 7 presidential and parliamentary polls. The workshop, which will be held in other regions in the county, will bring together journalists across the country. The workshops are being organised with funding from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Beneficiary of MFWA-CFI ‘Equal Voices’ project wins best gender and female journalist awards