Accra: The Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC), supported by the Hewlett Foundation, has commenced a two-day media training session aimed at enhancing the reporting skills of journalists from selected media houses. The participants, hailing from the Oti, Volta, Greater Accra, Western, Central, and Eastern Regions, will focus on the 2024 Auditor General’s Report.

According to Ghana News Agency, the training is designed to equip journalists with the necessary tools for accurate and effective reporting on the findings of the Auditor General’s Report. In her opening remarks, Mrs. Beauty Emefa Narteh, Executive Secretary of GACC, emphasized the importance of thorough investigative reporting. She encouraged participants to delve deeply into the contents of the report before disseminating information to the public, advocating for an investigative approach to provide a nuanced understanding of the report’s implications.

Mrs. Narteh urged media practitioners to share the knowledge gained with their colleagues, emphasizing that this collaborative effort could lead to impactful stories reaching a wider audience. The training is expected to foster a more informed media landscape capable of effectively communicating critical issues of governance and accountability to the public.

Mr. Fredrick Lokko, Assistant Director of Audit and Information Officer at the Ghana Audit Service, also addressed the media practitioners. He advised them to approach audit figures with a critical yet calm mindset, urging them not to be overly concerned with the numbers but to explore the context behind them. He encouraged journalists to engage in thorough investigations to uncover accurate data, highlighting the importance of understanding the nuances of audit reports.

Mr. Lokko’s insights underscored the role of the media as watchdogs, responsible for holding institutions accountable while ensuring that reporting remains grounded in verified facts. The training, themed “Building evidence for increased accountability in Ghana through a multi-stakeholder accountability initiative,” aims to empower journalists to provide comprehensive and truthful narratives that serve the public interest.