In the Upper East Region, a significant gathering unfolded as journalists came together for a capacity-building workshop organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).
The workshop, designed to tackle the pressing issue of Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs), aimed to equip these media professionals with the skills necessary to investigate and report on corruption, a pervasive challenge in their region.
Dr. Bishop Akologo, the Executive Director of Technology Integration Point Ventures (TIPV), took center stage, passionately addressing the assembled journalists. He painted a vivid picture of the consequences IFFs have on national development, describing them as a formidable threat that undermines progress. “The revenue lost to these flows could have been channeled towards essential public services—schools, roads, markets,” he lamented, emphasizing that the most vulnerable, particularly women and children, suffer the greatest from these losses.
Dr. Akologo’s call to action was clear and compelling. He urged journalists to collaborate with experts and whistleblowers to uncover the truth and hold perpetrators accountable. “Courage, collaboration, and a commitment to truth are essential in our fight against corruption,” he stated, highlighting the significant risks journalists face on this challenging front.
As the workshop progressed, Dr. Akologo stressed the need for a critical mass of expertise and a robust risk management system to help journalists navigate the dangerous waters of investigative reporting. By working together and sharing knowledge, he believed they could offer credible, comprehensive coverage of corruption and illicit financial flows—ultimately ensuring that public revenue is deployed to support those who need it most.
The MFWA’s initiative represented a crucial step towards bridging the knowledge gap within the media. Through targeted training and resource provision, the workshop aimed to enhance journalists’ capabilities, empowering them to take a more active role in promoting transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.
“By educating both citizens and policymakers about these issues, we can mobilize communities to demand accountability,” Dr. Akologo emphasized. He highlighted the critical role of the media in exposing illegal activities, such as transfer pricing and profit shifting, which strip nations of their revenue.
The gathering solidified the importance of a collective effort—governments, international organizations, and civil society must join forces in the battle against IFFs. “We must create a system where engaging in corrupt activities comes at a high cost,” he urged, envisioning a more transparent and equitable society.
As the workshop concluded, participants walked away with a renewed sense of purpose. The commitment shown by the MFWA to support journalists in their vital work would help cultivate a more informed and engaged citizenry, ready to demand accountability from those in power.
Dr. Akologo’s message lingered in the air: it was time to take a stand against illicit financial flows and advocate for a brighter future for all.
However, the capacity building workshop for journalists on Illicit Financial Flows (IFFs) in Ghana was successfully organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). This valuable initiative was made possible through the generous funding support of OXFAM and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com
