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

Mr. Benaiah Nii Addo, the Executive Director of Green Tax Youth Africa, has passionately addressed the pressing financial challenges facing Africa, with a particular focus on Ghana. Apexnewsgh reports He highlighted a startling report from Tax Justice Network, which revealed that the continent has suffered a staggering $492 billion loss due to corporate tax evasion. This alarming figure serves as a clarion call for immediate action. Mr. Nii Addo painted a vivid picture of the obstacles confronting Africa—rife with illicit financial flows, weak governance, and a troubling lack of transparency. To combat these issues, he advocated for a comprehensive development strategy aimed at reforming public financial management, increasing revenue mobilization, and enhancing transparency and accountability across the board. At the heart of his message was the critical role of the media. He underscored how journalists serve as watchdogs, exposing corruption and shedding light on the dark corners of financial malpractice. He believes by supporting media personnel in their quest for truth, Ghana can foster a more accountable atmosphere. He further pointed out the need for a thorough review of the incentives and exemptions granted to corporations, ensuring they do not negatively impact the economy. Mr. Nii Addo made it clear that effective public financial management is not merely a government responsibility; the international community, especially organizations like the UN, must step in to combat illicit financial flows and promote sustainable development across the continent. Their involvement is vital and deserves commendation. The call for collective effort resonated throughout his speech. Mr. Nii Addo stressed that alleviating Africa’s financial woes requires collaboration among governments, international organizations, civil society, and the media. Together, they can champion transparency and accountability, ensuring that the continent’s resources ultimately benefit its citizens. Further emphasizing the media’s critical role, Mr. Nii Addo pointed out that journalists must translate complex financial data into accessible language for the public. This empowerment can enable citizens to grasp the economic implications of illicit financial flows and recognize the substantial losses incurred. With this knowledge, citizens would be better equipped to hold their governments accountable and advocate for meaningful change. Collaboration is key, he noted. Civil society organizations and the media should work hand-in-hand, amplifying each other’s voices to achieve greater accountability from those in power. The Media Foundation for West Africa’s capacity building for Journalist on Illicit Financial Flows and Taxation serves as a noteworthy example of such cooperative efforts, illustrating the potential for transformative change. However, Mr. Nii Addo’s compelling message highlighted that creating a transparent and accountable financial system in Africa is not just an ideal; it is an achievable reality—a goal that requires the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders committed to meaningful development. 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

The Media Foundation for West Africa(MFWA) in partnership with US-based Access Now And Africa Open Data And Internet Research Foundation in Ghana, have in a press conference with just 9 days to the December 7 general elections urged the outgoing President of the republic of Ghana, H. E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo and all necessary election stakeholders including the Telecommunication Companies (TELCOS) and the Internet Service Providers (ISPs), to ensure that there is  constant access to internet and all digital platforms during the electioneering period. Apexnewsgh reports Speaking in the stead of the MFWA, Senior Programme Officer, Kweku Krobea Asante, threw light on the 2024 Global risk report which identified mis/disinformation as the key critical risk anticipated to unfold in numerous Countries across the world in the next two years. According to him, the report emphasized that, the spread of mis/disinformation especially during elections could significantly disrupt the perceived legitimacy of the newly elected government, potentially leading to political turmoil, violence and gradual deterioration of democratic procedures in the long run. Krobea Asante further outlined the fact that, activities and processes around the 2024 elections have so far generated enormous force thereby polarizing the narratives that can influence the peaceful outcomes of the polls. In rounding up, Mr. Kweku Krobea Asante, mentioned that, the MFWA’s fact checking project (FACT CHECK GH) is witnessing the weaponing of questionable polls by political elements to influence electorates whip up their bases and achieve bang-wagon efforts ahead of the 2024 polls. Felicia Anthonio, #KeepItOn Campaign Manager at Access Now, appealed to the Ghana Government and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) in Ghana to adopt human rights respecting measures to address issues of mis/disinformation and to publicly assure the people of Ghana that they would uphold our fundamental human rights, both online and offline throughout the polls. According to Ms. Anthonio, governments in Africa are increasingly resorting to stringent measures including the use of interest shutdowns to muscle decent and exert control over the flow of information during elections. She further added that, in 2023 alone, ACCESS NOW and KEEP IT ON coalition documented at least 17 shutdowns in 9 Countries across Africa, highlighting the deterioration of human rights in the region and across the globe. With barely a month to end the year 2024, Felicia Anthonio said her outfit has already seen Countries like Comoros, Mauritania,  Mauritius and Mozambique, imposing internet election related shutdowns citing vague and unjustifiable reasons, thereby urging the Government of Ghana to desist from the worrying trends spreading across the region. Wisdom Donkor, Executive director of Africa Open Data And Research Foundation Ghana, however echoed the need for Ghana to uphold its exemplary track record in  its 8th consecutive electoral processes. He underscored the fact that, despite the alarming practice in neighboring Countries, Ghana still remains an enviable example in the region that has not deliberately shutdown access to digital services during important national events. He finally indicated that, Ghana being a member of the FREEDOM OF RIGHT coalition, a network of 41 countries working to advance internet freedom globally, it has a duty to ensure that its people have open and secure access to the internet and digital platforms throughout the pending 2024 December 7 general elections and beyond. Source: Apexnewsgh.com Contact: 0256336062/0248250270