Ten budding journalists selected for the 4th edition of NGIJ Fellowship

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has selected ten young journalists for the 2024 edition of the Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship (NGIJ). This cohort, comprising four women and six men from Ghana, will undergo training aimed at promoting public interest and accountability journalism.

The fourth edition of the Next Generation Investigative Journalism (NGIJ) Fellowship received over 50 applications across Ghana. This year’s applicants included early-career journalists and young communication professionals. The ten candidates were chosen after a thorough selection process.

The NGIJ Fellowship blends practical experience with theoretical knowledge to equip budding journalists with the skills necessary to produce impactful stories. This year’s fellowship will focus on fact-based and critical reporting during Ghana’s electioneering processes. Fellows will be mentored by Fact-Check Ghana and The Fourth Estate, MFWA’s journalism projects.

Over the course of the Fellowship, the fellows will engage in investigative journalism, fact-checking, and data journalism. They will also learn how to use Ghana’s Right to Information (RTI) law to access key data for story development. Additional activities include seminars, fieldwork, and interactions with high-profile journalists. Each fellow is expected to produce at least two significant reports and will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the program.

Since its inception in 2021, the NGIJ Fellowship has trained over 30 journalists from Ghana and other West African countries, with reports from fellows leading to accountability across various sectors. This year’s Fellowship is supported by DW Akademie.

Below is the list of 2024 fellows:

1. Esther Gyamaah Yeboah
2. Bernice Amanatey Korlekie
3. Isaac Donkor
4. Elizabeth Abena Egyin
5. Osman Abubakari-Sadiq
6. Nakiba Moomin
7. Erich Odonkor
8. Vemmie Kamal
9. Mensah Maxwell
10. Nana Offei Isaac

Here are their profiles:

1. Esther Gyamaah Yeboah

Esther GyamaahYeboah is driven by her passion for innovative and world-changing policies. With a distinction diploma in Communication Studies-Journalism from the University of Media Arts and Communications, she is determined to tell compelling stories that can influence global change. Her passion for investigative journalism was sparked by a BBC workshop on forensic journalism, and she sees the fellowship as a crucial step in her career. Esther, an ardent advocate for gender equality, aims to use her storytelling skills to promote democracy, societal responsibility and inclusivity.

2. Bernice Amanatey Korlekie

Bernice believes in the power of journalism to amplify the voices of the underserved. She is passionate about human rights reporting and girl-child education, and through the fellowship, she aims to sharpen her investigative skills. Her goal is to create impactful stories that strengthen fact-based discourse and promote informed decision-making. Bernice views journalism as a tool for hope and positive change, especially in communities that are often overlooked.

3. Isaac Donkor

Born in a rural community where many voices go unheard, Isaac Donkor developed a strong desire to tell stories that give hope to the hopeless. He defied the odds to pursue a degree in Communications Studies from the University of Media Arts and Communications. Now working with the online news portal Modern Ghana, Isaac’s stories have gained significant recognition. Through the fellowship, he aims to deepen his understanding of investigative journalism and hold leaders accountable through fact-based reporting.

4. Elizabeth Abena Egyin

Elizabeth is a passionate storyteller who believes in the power of journalism to bring about positive social change. Having recently completed a degree in Public Relations, Elizabeth has gained extensive hands-on experience at Despite Media (Peace FM). She is committed to telling stories that inspire transformation, and through the fellowship, she plans to hone her skills in fact-checking, verification, and in-depth investigations.

5. Osman Abubakari-Sadiq

Osman Abubakari-Sadiq is dedicated to using journalism to fight disinformation and empower rural communities. With a first-class degree in Journalism from the University of Media Arts and Communication, Osman has worked on campaigns to promote media and information literacy (MIL). He has also led efforts against misinformation in collaboration with the Ghana Commission for UNESCO. Through the fellowship, Osman aims to enhance his investigative skills and continue his work to promote verified information and informed decision-making in rural communities.

6. Nakiba Moomin

Nakiba Moomin is driven by her commitment to social transformation through journalism. She is currently interning at the Graphic Communications Group Limited in Tamale, where she reports on issues affecting her community. Nakiba is particularly motivated by the role of journalism in achieving sustainable development goals. She hopes to gain the investigative skills needed to bring about meaningful change and positively impact society.

7. Erich Odonkor

Erich Odonkor’s passion for journalism stems from the impact and influence of accomplished and renowned journalists. A graduate of the University of Education, Winneba, with a degree in Information Technology Education, Erich started journalism at MYND FM, the campus radio station. He is committed to fighting corruption and advocating for environmental sustainability, particularly in combating illegal mining. Erich hopes the fellowship will help him sharpen his investigative skills to further his mission of preserving ecosystems and promoting transparency.

8. Mensah Maxwell

Mensah Maxwell is an ambitious journalist with a talent for uncovering compelling stories. As a data analyst, broadcast presenter, and reporter, he brings a unique skill set to his work. A graduate of the University of Media Arts and Communications, Mensah has interned at Obrempong FM and served as Editor for the National Times Newspaper. He is currently working with ADOA TV Ghana. With his experience in business development and market research, Mensah aims to produce investigative stories that not only inform but also inspire positive change. The fellowship offers him the chance to refine his investigative techniques and take his journalism to the next level.

9. Vemmie Kamal

Vemmie Kamal is a results-driven journalist with a passion for storytelling and a commitment to delivering accurate, timely news. With experience at TV3 and the Civil Society Coalition for AfCFTA, Vemmie has a strong foundation in research, writing, and political reporting. Through the fellowship, he hopes to explore new ideas and refine his storytelling abilities to inspire change. Vemmie is devoted to creating narratives that captivate audiences and foster critical thinking, with a goal to contribute to a more informed and empathetic global community.

10. Nana Offei Isaac

Nana Offei Isaac is a dedicated journalist with a passion for truth and impactful storytelling. He began his career at GBC’s Obonu FM, where he hosted and produced engaging programs for the public. He later became a morning show host at Okorli FM in Sege-Ada, building strong connections with his audience. Currently, he runs his own YouTube channel, OFFEITV, where he creates content focused on current affairs and societal issues.

Alongside his media work, Nana is pursuing a degree in communication at the University of Media Arts and Communication (UniMAC). His mission is to spark thoughtful conversations and bridge gaps through authentic narratives, whether on air or online.