How The Journalism Hangout swept through three regions of Ghana in a week

“To be able to bring journalists together in this manner, without the promise of “soli” and “item 13,” hold their attention for three hours, demonstrates Dogbevi’s mettle not just as a trainer, but a master, who inspires and motivates journalists to think outside the box and leave their comfort zone.

The Journalism Hangout will soon become the norm in Ghana. But let us remember that it all started with the trailblazing efforts of Mr. Dogbevi when we finally get there,” says Murtala Issa of the GBC.

The informal journalism training events that swept through three cities, reigniting the passion and commitment of journalists, opening their eyes and challenging them to fine-tune their craft as professionals, took over a year to plan.

In Bolgatanga, we were joined by the 2024 Journalist of the Year laureate for Ghana, Edward Adeti who later posted this on Facebook; “The Journalism Hangout is not just a free ‘refresher course’ but also a highly impactful encounter. Thank you, Emmanuel. Your dedication to this self-initiated project and depth, particularly in training journalists nationwide to expose illicit financial flows, have remained unique.”

Initially, Navrongo was the sole city meant to host the training event. But calls started coming in asking for other cities along the route to be included.

To be able to bring journalists together in this manner, without the promise of “soli” and “item 13,” hold their attention for three hours, demonstrates Dogbevi’s mettle not just as a trainer, but a master, who inspires and motivates journalists to think outside the box.

First it was a call from a native of Walewale. “Please journalists in Walewale can also benefit from this, add Walewale.” Why not? Let’s add Walewale in the North East Region. Then another call came asking for Bolgatanga in the Upper East Region to be included. Then an inbox message asked: “When are you coming to Tamale?” Tamale is in the Northern Region and the starting and end point of the trip to the areas, and so Tamale was added to the list.

 

That was how a one-city event was redesigned for four cities in three regions. But unfortunately, Navrongo missed out, as the event couldn’t be held in the city due to extra-ordinary circumstances beyond our control.

In total about 45 journalists and other professionals, including academics and PR practitioners joined the sessions across the regions.

Thank you for sharing your valuable insights on critical issues in journalism during this Hangout. I’ve gained a tremendous amount of knowledge from our interaction, filling gaps in my understanding that I didn’t have the opportunity to explore during my university days.

As usual the conversations were around improved ways of doing impactful journalism. Discussions included subjects like the potential threats of AI and influencers to journalism. We also touched on safety of journalists, independent and critical reporting, some newsroom culture that inhibits public interest journalism. Reporting conflict and peace also featured. But emphases were on ethical reporting and fact-checking.

“A very important and impactful engagement, it was another great learning experience. Thank you sir and hoping for more soon,” says Prince Kwame Tamakloe of Rainbow FM who joined the session in Tamale.

During the conversations in Walewale, one participant remarked; “so we are doing armchair journalism,” as we intensely discussed the need to fact-check information.

A happy participant, Dokurugu Alhassan, North East Regional Correspondent for Asaase Radio had this to say: “Thank you for sharing your valuable insights on critical issues in journalism during this Hangout. I’ve gained a tremendous amount of knowledge from our interaction, filling gaps in my understanding that I didn’t have the opportunity to explore during my university days. The engagement has been truly impactful, enhancing my professional skills. We eagerly look forward to your return and another enriching experience.”

A participant at the Bolgatanga event Abdul-Gafaru Salifu, said: “The Journalism Hangout was inspiring and enlightening. I had always thought I knew what journalism is, but your detailed explanation gave me a better understanding of the trade I so love. I also learned the importance of collaboration and networking in churning out impactful journalistic works. Thank you for dedicating your time and energy to sharpening our skills in this profession at no fee.”

It is obvious from the comments and remarks of participants, they are learning lessons and reviewing their notes. Hopefully, the efforts would bear fruits and reflect in the quality of journalism in Ghana.

By John Mensah

The post How The Journalism Hangout swept through three regions of Ghana in a week appeared first on Ghana Business News.

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