- USAID trains Oti, Volta journalists on advocacy.
- Workshop focuses on media-civil society partnerships.
- 140 journalists to be trained across 70 districts.
- Initiative promotes transparent public services.
The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) recently held a two-day regional media training workshop in Ho, Volta Region, for 28 journalists from Oti and Volta Regions. This capacity-building initiative aimed to empower journalists to advocate for improved public services, particularly in education, health, water, sanitation, hygiene, fisheries, and agriculture.
The workshop, themed “Strengthening Media-Civil Society Partnerships for Effective Public Service Delivery Advocacy,” highlighted the crucial role of media in amplifying civil society organizations’ voices to push for better public service delivery. Linda Ofori-Kwafo, Chief of Party for PAA, emphasized that an informed media is essential for promoting accountability in local governance and bridging the gap between journalists and civil society for sustainable governance.
The workshop addressed knowledge gaps among media practitioners, offering insights into reporting on public services and local governance. Experienced media professionals led interactive sessions, including theoretical lessons and practical exercises. Participants explored gender-sensitive reporting strategies and ways to strengthen partnerships with civil society organizations.
CSO partners from Volta and Oti Regions, including Global Action for Women Empowerment, Africa Disability Institute, and Rural Health Organisation, participated in the event. Representatives from Democracy International and the Volta Regional Coordinating Council also attended.
USAID’s Performance Accountability Activity plans to host five additional workshops, aiming to train about 140 journalists across 70 districts in Ghana. This initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure accountable and high-quality public service delivery across the country.
The Performance Accountability Activity is a five-year project funded by USAID and implemented by Democracy International. It collaborates with the Government of Ghana and local organizations, including civil society groups, to advocate for transparent and accountable public services.
USAID’s support for civil society and media strengthening is a key aspect of its mission. The agency promotes innovations in civil society, labor, youth, and media arenas to address development challenges.
USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives also works to advance peace and democracy in West Africa, including Ghana, by supporting local stakeholders and promoting community resilience.
The agency’s efforts focus on building resilient communities that can prevent conflict and withstand negative influences. By empowering journalists and civil society organizations, USAID aims to promote accountability and improve public service delivery in Ghana.
Through its various initiatives, USAID demonstrates its commitment to supporting Ghana’s development and promoting democratic governance, accountability, and transparency.
