US Exchange Programme alumni urge journalists to leverage opportunities
US Exchange Programme alumni have urged Ghanaian journalists to take advantage of international exchange programmes to broaden their professional perspectives, acquire new skills and apply their experiences to strengthen journalism in Ghana. They said exposure to different media environments and journalistic practices provided valuable lessons that could help journalists improve their work,…
Alumni of U.S exchange programmes have urged Ghanaian journalists to seize the opportunities provided by such programmes to expand their professional horizons, acquire new skills and use their experiences to enhance journalism in Ghana. The call was made during a Freedom250 forum organised by the U.S Embassy in Accra, which brought together alumni of the programmes to discuss their experiences and impact on their careers.
The U.S Embassy's Acting Public Affairs Officer, Mr Matthew Asada, explained that the forum was part of the embassy's public diplomacy efforts, aiming to showcase the effectiveness of the exchange programmes both within American society and in the countries where the alumni reside. Umaru Sanda Amadu, a Broadcast Journalist and International Visitor Leadership Programme alumnus, shared how the programme exposed him to a range of experiences and perspectives, including the plight of journalists facing arrest or persecution for their work.
He emphasised that international exposure helped him understand the level of press freedom enjoyed in Ghana and the importance of recognising misuses of journalists' platforms for personal gain. Alfred Ocansey, a Broadcast Journalist and Mandela Washington Fellow, stressed that his fellowship broadened his understanding of the relationship between press freedom, journalism and national development, noting that in Rwanda journalists faced significant restrictions, including censorship of radio programmes.
He urged journalists to consider the wider impact of their work on society and adapt to the changing media landscape by combining accuracy with speed. Doreen Ampofo, a Broadcast Journalist and IVLP alumna, highlighted how the fellowship contributed to her professional development, confidence and network, leading to her winning several awards.
She also emphasised the importance of maintaining relationships forged through exchange programmes, describing them as more than professional connections.
Written by urgent.news from Ghanaian Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
