Kwaku Asante, Author at Media Foundation For West Africa

Crackdowns in politically troubled Senegal, Niger define 2023 3rd quarter

Press Freedom, Safety of JournalistsNov 3, 2023597Views 0Likes 0Comments

A total of thirty-six (36) incidents of freedom of expression violations were recorded this quarter (July-September 2023), with Senegal and Niger at the forefront of the repression. The figure is two per cent (2%) higher than that of the preceding quarter (April-June 2023) which stood at 35. Senegal recorded six (6) violations and Niger five…

WAMECA 2023 – Here are the members of the grand jury

Media and Good GovernanceOct 17, 2023947Views 0Likes 0Comments

The MFWA is pleased to announce the jury for the 2023 edition of the West Africa Media Excellence Awards. The jury which comprises experienced and celebrated media experts in Africa will assess and shortlist deserving entries for the 7th edition of the Award. They will also determine the ultimate winners of the various categories in…

Ghana: 14 attacks on media houses in ten years, only one redressed

Press FreedomOct 12, 20232KViews 0Likes 0Comments

At least 14 incidents of attacks on media houses have been recorded in Ghana in the past decade, with only one receiving redress. The disturbing trend of invasions of media house premises, including by armed men, destruction of studio equipment, violent disruption of transmission, assault and intimidation of presenters and guests was tracked from 2014-2023.…

MFWA deplores attack on Accra-based UTV during live broadcast

Press FreedomOct 8, 20231KViews 0Likes 0Comments

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is appalled at the mob storming of Accra-based UTV during a live broadcast and demands swift and severe retribution. The brazen attack occurred shortly after the start of the station’s United Showbiz programme on October 7, 2023. A group of thugs which has since been identified to be…

Our impact: Regulator goes after media ads of unapproved medicines after exposé by accountability journalism

Investigative Journalism, Journalism for ChangeOct 6, 20232KViews 0Likes 0Comments

An investigative story by The Fourth Estate which exposed serious lack of adherence to regulatory requirements for the manufacture and advertisement of herbal medicine, has jolted Ghana’s foods and medicines regulator into action. The Foods and Drugs Authority (FDA) has announced that it is clamping down on media houses which advertise unapproved herbal medicine products.…

MFWA calls for renewed commitment to Access to Information Rights in West Africa

Access To InformationSep 28, 20231KViews 0Likes 0Comments

On the occasion of this year’s International Day of Universal Access to Information (IDUAI) which is being marked globally on September 28, the Media Foundation for West Africa urges governments, the media and civil society in West Africa to collaborate to establish a culture of open and transparent governance through the enactment and effective implementation…

Repression in Guinea, Senegal define FOE environment in 2023 second quarter

.Sep 27, 20232KViews 0Likes 0Comments

Guinea recorded twelve (12) violations to emerge as the country with the worst freedom of expression (FOE) record in the second half of 2023. Senegal followed closely with five (5) violations, mostly linked to the rumpus around the prosecution of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. Ghana and Nigeria recorded three (3) violations each. Burkina Faso, Togo,…

Ensure full accountability for police violence against protesters, journalists – MFWA

Safety of JournalistsSep 22, 20231KViews 0Likes 0Comments

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) deplores the brutal attacks and violent arrests of several demonstrators in Accra and calls on the authorities in Ghana to investigate the mayhem which also saw some journalists assaulted. Hundreds of Ghanaians gathered outside the Jubilee House, Ghana's presidential palace, on September 22, 2023, for a protest against…

Journalist Noah Dameh passes on

Safety of JournalistsSep 20, 20234KViews 0Likes 0Comments

Embattled Ghanaian journalist Noah Narh Dameh has died. The stalwart and beloved figure at Ghana's premier community radio station, Radio Ada, passed on Sunday, September 17, 2023, at his residence in Ada in the eastern part of Greater Accra Region. Dameh, had been battling with health issues since he was remanded in custody for a…

Ten young journalists selected for 2023 Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship

Journalism for ChangeAug 31, 20231KViews 0Likes 0Comments

Ten (10) young journalists have been selected for the 2023 edition of the Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship (NGIJ) organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). This year’s fellows comprise four females and six males selected from Ghana. The NGIJ Fellowship promotes public interest and accountability journalism in West Africa through mentorship and training…

Protect press freedom – MFWA, 79 others urge Niger’s junta

.Aug 30, 20232KViews 0Likes 0Comments

Eighty (80) press freedom organisations and senior journalists across Africa, including the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) have signed a statement calling on the military government in Niger to protect press freedom and end the rampaging violence against journalists in the country. The statement recounts the barrage of threats and attacks against journalists as…

Digital Public Infrastructure in West Africa: Journalists oriented to demand inclusivity

Digital RightsAug 30, 20231KViews 0Likes 0Comments

All over the world, governments are radically transforming public service delivery from analog to digital, by adopting and streamlining Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). But, like most forms of social transformations, the adoption and deployment of DPIs is fraught with the challenges of limited public awareness, participation, inclusion and accountability. The media, who are often the…

Author page: Kwaku Asante

Kwaku Asante