In an effort to combat corruption and promote transparency, the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP), in collaboration with the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the University of Media, Arts and Communication – Institute of Journalism (UniMAC-IJ), recently hosted a specialized training workshop aimed at equipping student journalists with the essential skills needed for investigative reporting and anti-corruption journalism. The event, held on March 13-14, 2025, at the ACEP Office Complex in Accra, saw enthusiastic participation from Level 300 and 400 student journalists from UniMAC-IJ.

Why This Training Matters

Corruption remains a major challenge in Ghana, undermining economic growth, weakening democratic institutions, and eroding public trust. While institutions like the Economic and Organized Crime Office (EOCO), the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ), and the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) play vital roles in addressing corruption, investigative journalism plays an equally critical role in exposing wrongdoing, demanding accountability, and ensuring transparency.

This training aimed to empower student journalists with the tools and techniques necessary to uncover corruption, hold power to account, and foster a more transparent society. It was a vital step towards preparing the next generation of journalists to become effective watchdogs of democracy.

What Participants Gained

The workshop introduced participants to powerful tools and techniques for in-depth investigative reporting, ethical and legal considerations in anti-corruption journalism, and data analysis methods to verify sources and uncover corruption. Additionally, the training included practical sessions on using digital tools to find and visualize cases of corruption, empowering the students with the skills they need to make a significant impact in their future careers.

Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Manasseh Azure Awuni and Evans Aziamor-Mensah for sharing their expertise and experiences with the students. Their insights were invaluable in equipping the next generation of Ghana’s investigative journalists with the knowledge and practical skills required for this important work.

Watch as the students reflect on their experience and the impact this training will have on their journalistic journeys!