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Oxfam Ghana and the Economic and Organised Crime Office (EOCO) have urged journalists to uphold transparency and accountability in their work to strengthen good governance.
The call was made at the closing ceremony of the sixth cohort of the Next Generation Investigative Journalism (NGIJ) Fellowship, organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) on Friday, 3 October 2025, at the Tomreik Hotel in East Legon, Accra.
Speaking at the event, the Country Director of Oxfam in Ghana, Mohammed-Anwar Sadat Adam, described journalism as an act of public service aimed at holding power to account and amplifying the voices of marginalised groups.
He stated that transparency remains a cornerstone of accountable governance and that journalists play a vital role in ensuring resources are managed in the public interest.
“By rendering public service, you are working to ensure transparency and accountability in how we manage the resources we have in this country. Every cedi lost to illicit financial flows could have gone to build schools, hospitals, or provide clean water,” he said.
Adam stressed that investigative journalism contributes directly to fighting corruption and promoting equitable development, urging the fellows to “pursue truth with courage and integrity.”
Also addressing participants, Head of Legal and Prosecution at EOCO, Leo Antony Siamah, highlighted the importance of collaboration between journalists and law enforcement agencies in uncovering economic crimes and illicit financial flows.
He said transparency and credible reporting are crucial in the national fight against corruption, tax evasion, and money laundering.
“The work journalists do in exposing financial crimes complements the efforts of EOCO. Your investigations not only inform the public but also help in the recovery of state resources and the promotion of justice,” he stated.
Siamah, however, cautioned journalists to maintain high ethical standards, emphasising that accuracy and responsibility are essential in investigative reporting.
Two of the fellows, Winifred Lartey of Asaase Radio and Isaac Abilla of the EIB Network, shared their reflections on the fellowship and its impact on their professional growth.
Winifred Lartey, who won an award for being the best female storyteller, stated that the training had equipped her with advanced investigative tools and a renewed sense of purpose as a journalist.
“This fellowship has deepened my understanding of how to use data and the RTI law to access information and tell impactful stories. I am more confident now in taking on stories that demand accountability from those in authority,” she said.
Isaac Abilla described the programme as “an eye-opener,” adding that it has strengthened his resolve to pursue stories that promote public interest.
“The NGIJ fellowship has challenged me to look beyond surface reporting and dig deeper into systemic issues that affect governance and development. It has truly refined my approach to journalism,” he said.
Ato Kwamena Koomson, a freelancer, won an award for best male storyteller, and Mark Smith who is with A1 Radio also won an award for his good conduct.
The Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship, organised by MFWA, provides practical and theoretical training for early- and mid-career journalists in investigative reporting, data journalism, and the use of the Right to Information (RTI) law.
The initiative aims to equip journalists with the skills and confidence to pursue stories that promote transparency, accountability, and good governance.
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