Thirty Ghanaian journalists have been selected to participate in the inaugural Africa Extractive Media Fellowship (AEMF), a six-month training initiative designed to strengthen their capacity to produce accurate and impactful reports on Africa’s extractive industries.
The fellowship, launched in Accra, brings together participants from various media organisations to deepen their understanding of mining, oil, gas, and natural resource governance. Supported by both regional and international partners, the programme seeks to bridge the gap between the technical complexities of the extractive sector and public understanding through credible and data-driven journalism.
Promoting Responsible and Informed Reporting
Speaking at the launch, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, commended the fellowship as an important step towards enhancing public dialogue and transparency in the extractive sector.
She noted that responsible journalism plays a vital role in ensuring that Africa’s natural resources benefit citizens.
“The fellowship gives journalists the tools, exposure, and mentorship to tell meaningful stories about the extractive sector,” she said. “It also helps them analyse important issues such as environmental impact, resource management, and technological innovation.”
Tackling Illicit Financial Flows
The Deputy Chief of Staff at the Office of the President, Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, underscored the need for critical journalism to address illicit financial flows in Africa’s mining and extractive industries.
She revealed that the continent loses about 40 billion dollars annually due to illegal financial activities within the sector—resources that could otherwise support education, health care, and youth employment.
“These issues show the need for vigilant, well-prepared journalism and stronger reforms across Africa,” she said. “This reinforces the importance of the fellowship we are launching today.”
Government Focus on Value Addition
The Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Isaac Andrew Tandoh, reiterated government’s commitment to adding value to Ghana’s mineral resources through local refining and processing. He said the policy aims to create jobs, generate revenue, and ensure sustainable development.
He cited the work of the Ghana Integrated Aluminium Development Corporation (GIADEC) as an example of how government is prioritising value addition and industrialisation within the mining sector.
Media and Transparency in Mining
Emma Morrison, Vice Chair of the Public Relations Committee of the Ghana Chamber of Mines, highlighted the importance of a strong, well-informed media in building public trust and promoting transparency.
“Transparency cannot thrive in isolation,” he said. “It depends on a responsible media ecosystem—one that can turn technical data into stories the public understands and trusts.”
He added that the Chamber’s collaboration with the AEMF forms part of its long-term goal to strengthen accountability and promote open governance within the industry.
Enhancing Media Expertise
Onasis Kobby, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC), praised the initiative as an important step toward developing specialised media knowledge in the extractive industry.
He said the sector is complex and requires journalists to have a sound understanding of economics, geology, and environmental issues.
“Continuous training and mentorship are necessary so journalists can report accurately and confidently,” he said.
Mr. Rosely also announced PHDC’s commitment to support the fellowship with technical expertise as the corporation works to establish Ghana’s first petrochemical hub, expected to attract about 60 billion dollars in investment.
Building an ‘Army of Extractive Reporters’
The Programme Lead of the AEMF, Kwakye Afreh-Nuamah, said the fellowship will run for six months, with participants meeting two days each month for in-person sessions. The programme will focus on practical training, mentorship, and data analysis for reporting on extractive governance.
“Our goal is to build a team of journalists who can explain complex extractive issues in ways the public can understand,” he said. “We expect these 30 fellows to become champions of responsible and evidence-based reporting in Ghana and across Africa.”
Fellows Share Expectations
Among the selected journalists are Noah Nash Hoenyefia of the EIB Network, Clankson Acheampong of Asaase Radio, and Frederick Addai Kwarteng of High Street Journal. They expressed enthusiasm about joining the programme, describing it as a valuable opportunity to strengthen their investigative and analytical skills.
Mr. Nash said he was eager to use the knowledge gained to tell stories that drive accountability, particularly on mining-related issues in northern Ghana.
“This fellowship presents a great opportunity to improve our coverage of the extractive industry and share stories that inform and inspire change,” he said.
Promoting Accountability Across Africa
Organisers say the Africa Extractive Media Fellowship will contribute to broader efforts to promote good governance, transparency, and sustainability in resource management across the continent.
By equipping journalists with specialised tools, mentorship, and access to data, the initiative aims to build a network of reporters capable of holding institutions accountable and ensuring that Africa’s natural resources are managed responsibly.
Story by: Noah Nash Hoenyefia
