The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) has announced an expansion of its environmental journalism programme across West Africa as climate change continues to pose growing challenges for communities across the region.

Speaking at the inaugural CJID Ghana Media Summit in Accra, Executive Director Babatunde Akintunde said environmental reporting has become one of the organisation's strategic priorities.

He explained that CJID has been supporting journalists covering environmental and climate-related issues in several West African countries since 2023.

According to him, the programme currently operates in Ghana, Nigeria, Liberia and Sierra Leone, with additional regional activities planned in the coming weeks.

Mr Akintunde said journalists participating in the initiative are receiving specialised training to improve reporting on climate change, environmental degradation and related public policy issues.

He noted that recent flooding incidents across the region underscore the need for stronger public interest journalism on climate resilience and environmental governance.

"I think if there is any moment where we need to pay attention to climate issues, it is now," he said.

The CJID Executive Director said the organisation will continue investing in specialist journalism that informs public policy and strengthens accountability on environmental issues.

He added that the inaugural Ghana Media Summit is intended to become a biennial platform for advancing discussions on journalism, democracy and information integrity across West Africa.