Training the next generation of watchdog journalists

As misinformation proliferates online and public confidence in media declines, journalism students are being encouraged to hone investigative skills, fortitude, and ethical principles to hold those in power accountable. This objective was underscored by a workshop organized by the Investigative Journalism Club at the University of Education, Winneba (UEW) Chapter on June 16, 2026.

Under the theme "Practical Investigative Techniques and Strategies to Resist Media Capture," the event was sponsored by Betty Dufie Owusu of the Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP). It convened aspiring journalists alongside seasoned media professionals to explore investigative reporting, misinformation, media ethics, and the vital role journalists play in safeguarding the public interest.

A key speaker was award-winning investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, whose work has inspired a new generation of young journalists in Ghana. Awuni emphasized that the UEW chapter, established in 2023, exemplifies the club's dedication to fostering investigative skills through organization, regular meetings, branding, and ongoing engagement. He commended Prof. Gifty Appiah-Adjei for her role in sustaining the club's activities.

Awuni clarified that investigative journalism transcends breaking news or scandal reporting; it involves uncovering hidden information of public interest. He advised students to cultivate curiosity, read extensively, and question rather than merely disseminate readily available data. He cautioned against shortcuts such as entrapment that could compromise the integrity and ethical standards of an investigation.

According to him, journalists must be transparent, verify information rigorously, and cross-check facts before publication. He stressed that courage, competence, and character are indispensable qualities for investigative journalists, enabling them to pursue challenging stories involving powerful entities, conduct thorough research, and uphold ethical integrity even under pressure.

Credibility stands as a journalist's most valuable asset and should not be compromised for speed or sensationalism.

The workshop also tackled misinformation, a prevalent issue in the digital era. Evans Aziamor Mensah advised journalists not to disseminate trending information without verification. Awuni elaborated on various forms of misinformation, including false connections, misleading content, satire, parody, imposter content, and fabricated content.

He underscored the critical importance of fact-checking and source verification, especially when unverified information can disseminate rapidly and reach vast audiences within minutes. Awuni also addressed the legal aspects of defamation, urging students to ensure their claims are backed by credible evidence.

Beyond technical instruction, the workshop facilitated direct interaction between students and a journalist whose investigative work they had followed. This exchange allowed students to ask questions, share experiences, and gain insights into the realities of professional journalism, bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world newsroom demands. The session also urged participants to perceive investigative journalism as a public service that can expose corruption, institutional failures, and abuses of power.

Upon completion, students received books and learning materials, including "The Voice of Conscience," "A Letter to My Future Wife," and an investigative journalism manual. These resources are intended to bolster their understanding of investigative journalism and professional practice. The executives of the UEW Investigative Journalism Club expressed gratitude to their patron, Dr. Rainbow Sackey, for his ongoing support of the club's activities and the workshop's organization.

For the club, the event served as more than an academic exercise; it provided professional exposure, mentorship, and a platform for students to learn directly from experienced practitioners. As the club continues its initiatives, the insights gained from the workshop are expected to reinforce its commitment to developing journalists who are courageous, competent, and resolute in their commitment to ethical reporting.

In an era where misinformation can spread more swiftly than verified facts, the necessity for journalists capable of questioning, investigating, and verifying information remains paramount. Consequently, the training of watchdog journalists extends beyond the workshop's conclusion; it persists with every journalist who poses tough questions, verifies claims, challenges power abuses, and prioritizes truth over convenience.