For five days, journalists, activists, whistleblowers, and human rights defenders from across West Africa have undergone intensive, hands-on training at the Whistleblowers, Activists and Journalist Safety International Center (WAJSIC), an initiative participants described as both challenging and transformative.
Sponsored by the Open Society Foundations and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Ghana, and delivered in partnership with Lazarus Training UK, the programme focused on practical skills essential for field safety, first aid, and resilience.
Sessions covered a comprehensive range of topics, including pre-deployment planning, risk assessment, personal and travel security, crowd navigation, conflict management, anti-surveillance techniques, and emergency medical response for bleeding and ballistic injuries. Participants were also trained in self-defense strategies designed for escape in high-risk scenarios.
Unlike conventional theoretical workshops, WAJSIC’s programme emphasized realistic, hands-on exercises, allowing participants to gain both knowledge and confidence for real-world situations. “I wish I had known this earlier,” remarked one attendee, reflecting a common sentiment among participants.
The training concluded with calls for the programme to be expanded across the region, with participants urging WAJSIC and its partners to sustain and scale the initiative to enhance the safety and effectiveness of journalists and activists.
Founded by acclaimed investigative journalist Anas Aremeyaw Anas, WAJSIC provides protection and support to those exposing corruption and advocating for accountability across Africa, equipping them with the tools needed to navigate the dangers inherent in their work.
