Renowned Investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas recently led a workshop in Accra to train journalists on Investigative Journalism and the Importance of Whistleblowers in the fight against Corruption, Money Laundering, Terrorism Financing, and Embezzlement of Public funds.
The training assembled journalists from Ghana and parts of Africa to learn and understand the rudiments of investigative journalism and the safety precautions one has to consider in the field.
The workshop was done in partnership with WAJSIC and PPLAAF last week in Accra.
WAJSIC is a Whistleblowers & Journalists Safety International Center that provides protection and preservation for Whistleblowers and Journalists who contribute to anti-corruption and accountability across Africa.
The organisation was founded by Anas Aremeyaw Anas, having encountered challenges in more than two decades of his work, to tackle the dangers associated with investigative journalism in Africa.
On the other hand, PPLAAF stands for Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa which works to defend whistleblowers through strategic litigation and advocating on their behalf where the actions of whistleblowers speak to the public interest of African citizens.
The three-day workshop focused on issues that may require investigation, yet emphasis was laid on the need for journalists to be mindful of going undercover.
It was designed to expose journalists to the growing need to think internationally when it came to investigative journalism and ‘globalisation’ of crimes like money laundering, terrorism funding, etc. Attendees were introduced to various sources of funding and support systems for investigative journalistic works.
Anas stressed on the fact that undercover journalism may have to be the last resort when all other means to uncover wrongdoing have been exhausted,and do not yield results. Because the risks associated with going undercover are high.
In addition, journalists were taken through lessons which highlighted who a whistleblower is and the responsibility they have.
Ghana is among eight(8) countries in Africa that have a law which gives protection to whistleblowers in Africa and the only nation in West Africa.
The workshop ended with journalists pitching stories bearing on corruption, money laundering, or related crimes which would be taken up and given the necessary support for the good of society.
