Newly-trained investigative journalists under the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) program have been urged to use their craft as a weapon against corruption and impunity in Ghana.

Procurement breaches, conflicts of interest, abuse of office and other corruption activities which have eaten deep into the social structure of Ghana deny citizens development.

The young investigative journalists are empowered to lead the fight against corruption, spark accountability to bring meaningful change.

Ghana’s score on the Corruption Perception Index has shown a long-time stagnation of the fight against corruption, staying below the 50% mark since 2012.

In a call for deeper tackling of the canker, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) through its capacity-building on anti-corruption and accountability, has reiterated the craft of young investigative journalists as effective tools for reforms.

Seasoned investigative journalists, including Associate Editor of the Fourth Estate, Seth Bokpe insist that true sense of journalism is recognized by the impact of deep-cut investigative journalism.

“We do not tell stories for telling sake. Some are told as passing information to the public, but majorly, what should be pursued are ones told to make an impact in our society through investigative journalism. The stories should reflect in ways that can drive a change in society.

“That should be the hallmark of every journalist. The impact is necessary to bring changes, draw benevolent people to help the disadvantaged. Even if your story changes the life of one person, it brings a lot of satisfaction than any form of enticement that you may get from the work,” he said.

The capacity-building on anti-corruption and accountability through investigative journalism project, benefitted 30 young journalists across the Ashanti, Northern, and Greater Accra regions.

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) project, with funding from the German Development Cooperation was titled, “Countering corruption through accountability journalism and improved freedom of expression environment in Ghana”.

Beneficiaries were taken through the corruption landscape of Ghana, and story ideation, whilst dissecting investigative reports to understand investigative journalism targeted at public accountability.

Executive Director, Africa Centre for International Law and Accountability (ACILA), William Nyarko, says an in-depth story done well can effect significant social change in Ghana.

“It’s been engaging. We have shown them where they can get their stories to investigate, ones that bother on procurement breaches, conflict of interest, private gain, as well the methods and tools to gather and execute their investigations. The journey is difficult and challenging, but just one report done right will create significant changes in Ghana,” he said.

This initiative is part of the Participation, Accountability, Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme, commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), co-financed by the EU and the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and implemented by GIZ in cooperation with the Ministry of Finance.