Promoting Responsible Mining in Ghana: African Extractives Media Fellowship leads the way

Irresponsible mining remains one of Ghana’s most pressing environmental and economic challenges. The country continues to grapple with the pollution of water bodies, destruction of forest reserves, deforestation, illegal mining activities, and mineral smuggling.

To help address these challenges through impactful journalism, NewsWire Africa, in collaboration with the Australian High Commission in Ghana, the Ghana Chamber of Mines, and several other partner organisations, initiated the African Extractives Media Fellowship (AEMF). The fellowship aims to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills to produce compelling stories that promote responsible and sustainable mining practices across Africa.

The maiden cohort of the fellowship, comprising about 30 journalists and launched in 2025, graduated on July 7, 2026. On the same day, the second cohort—made up of about 50 journalists—was officially inaugurated. Among the newly inducted fellows is Metro TV’s Upper East Regional Reporter, Ibrahim Abode.

The inauguration and graduation ceremony brought together journalists, diplomats, government officials, and stakeholders in the extractive sector at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Accra.

Speaking at the event, the Programme Lead for the fellowship, Kwakye Afreh‑Nuamah, highlighted the importance of the initiative in strengthening extractive‑sector reporting.

“There are doors opening in this country for our journalists to enter. There’s much more to come, and not everything will be mentioned tonight,” he said.

The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Bernice Owen‑Jones, reaffirmed Australia’s commitment to supporting responsible mining and sustainable resource governance.

“In the eyes of many, Australia and responsible mining are synonymous,” she stated.

Other organisations supporting the fellowship include the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Public Interest and Accountability Committee (PIAC), Petroleum Hub Development Corporation, University of Ghana Business School, University of Mines and Technology, West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), CDD‑Ghana, Digital Earth Africa, and the Tema Oil Refinery.