The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), with support from the Hewlett Foundation, has initiated a two-day media training session, aimed at enhancing the reporting skills of journalists from selected media houses.
The journalists were from the Oti, Volta, Greater Accra, Western, Central and Eastern Regions concerning the 2024 Auditor General’s Report.
The training is designed to equip the journos with the tools necessary for accurate and effective reporting on the findings of the Auditor General’s Report.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of GACC, emphasised the importance of thorough investigative reporting.
She encouraged participants to dive deep into the contents of the report before disseminating information to the public.
“An investigative approach will provide a more nuanced understanding of the report’s implementations,” she stated, highlighting the need for follow-up stories that could further clarify and contextualize the issues raised.
Mrs. Narteh called on the media practitioners to share the knowledge they gained during the training with colleagues, stressing that this collaborative effort could lead to more impactful stories reaching a wider audience.
The training is expected to foster a more informed media landscape that could effectively communicate critical issues of governance and accountability to the public.
Mr. Fredrick Lokko, Assistant Director of Audit and Information Officer at the Ghana Audit Service, addressed the media practitioners, advising them to approach audit figures with a critical yet calm mindset.
“Do not be paranoid with the audit figures,” he urged, and encouraged journalists to delve deeper into the context behind the numbers and engage in thorough investigations to uncover accurate data.
Mr. Lokko emphasized the importance of understanding the nuances of the audit reports, stating that the figures presented might not always tell the full story.
She said: “By going behind the scenes and verifying information, media professionals can provide a more comprehensive and truthful narrative that serves the public interest.
His insights underscored the role of the media as watchdogs, tasked with holding institutions accountable, while ensuring that reporting remains grounded in verified facts.
The training was under the theme: Building evidence for increased accountability in Ghana through a multi-stakeholder accountability initiative.