As the fight against corruption in Ghana intensifies, a major training programme for journalists has spotlighted a critical, often-overlooked issue in the newsroom: mental health and emotional well-being.
During a three-day workshop on investigative journalism and anti-corruption reporting, seasoned journalist Seth Bokpe, Associate Editor at The Fourth Estate, made a passionate call for media houses to prioritise the psychological welfare of their staff. Speaking to over 30 journalists and media practitioners from across Ghana, Bokpe warned that the pressures of accountability journalism—especially when covering high-stakes corruption, trauma, or political tension—can take a serious mental toll.
“Journalists are regularly exposed to disturbing stories and intense public scrutiny. Add that to stress at home and limited newsroom support, and it becomes a recipe for burnout or even depression,” he noted.
Bokpe urged newsrooms to introduce psychological support systems, including access to trained counsellors or trauma specialists, especially when reporters are assigned to sensitive stories involving horror scenes, abuse, or corruption. He also recommended self-care strategies such as adequate rest, healthy eating, and peer support.
Empowering Journalists to Fight Corruption—But at What Cost?
The training workshop, organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in collaboration with the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), was primarily aimed at enhancing the capacity of journalists to hold power to account through investigative reporting and data-driven storytelling.
It was the first in a planned series under the theme: “Countering Corruption through Accountability Journalism and Improved Freedom of Expression Environment in Ghana.” The initiative forms part of the broader Participation, Accountability, Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) programme, a four-year governance strengthening effort led by GIZ and funded by Germany’s BMZ, the EU, and SECO.
Calls for Stronger Institutions and Journalist Protections
While the focus remained on empowering the media to expose corruption, facilitators and partners at the event acknowledged the risks faced by journalists in the course of their work. From legal threats to emotional trauma, the participants were urged to not only sharpen their investigative skills but also build personal resilience.
“Corruption doesn’t just steal money—it robs entire generations of opportunity,” said Kwaku Lartey Obeng, GIZ’s Component Manager. “Accountability journalism is essential to democracy, but we must ensure that the journalists doing this work are protected—physically and mentally.”
A Toolbox for Impact Reporting
The training covered a wide range of critical topics:
Investigative techniques and story development by William Nyarko, Executive Director of ACILA
Understanding Ghana’s anti-corruption laws and the Corruption Perception Index, presented by Michael Boadi of Transparency International Ghana
Reporting on gendered aspects of corruption, including sextortion
Using the Right to Information (RTI) Act and data journalism tools effectively
Rosemond Ebi-Adwo Aryeetey, MFWA’s Senior Manager for Media and Governance, encouraged participants to apply the knowledge to challenge impunity and improve governance, but also urged them to advocate for better working conditions within their own media organisations.
“Journalists are vital to democratic development. But that mission will only be sustainable if we take care of their well-being too,” she said.
