By Ibrahim Abode

The Whistleblowers, Activists and Journalists Safety International Centre (WAJSIC) has successfully concluded a four-day intensive training programme in investigative journalism and safety for eight of its in-house residents.

Held from August 5 to 8, 2025, at WAJSIC’s headquarters in Accra, the programme was supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) through its Participation, Accountability and Integrity for a Resilient Democracy (PAIReD) initiative.

WAJSIC, a Ghana-based nonprofit with continental reach, provides protection and support for journalists, whistleblowers, and activists who face persecution for exposing corruption, defending human rights, or uncovering injustices.

Many participants in this training are either living in exile or under active threat due to their investigative work.

The training theme, “Safe Investigative Journalism for Journalists Under Threat”, emphasised both professional development and personal security.

Facilitated by award-winning Ghanaian investigative journalist Manasseh Azure Awuni, the sessions covered story selection, evidence verification, legal risk management, undercover ethics, and digital and physical safety measures to protect both reporters and their sources.

WAJSIC’s Executive Director, Abdoulaye Diallo, and Chief Operations Officer, Adjapong Benjamin, encouraged participants to view their role as defenders of accountability and democracy.

“Investigative journalism is more than telling a story,” Diallo noted. “It is about protecting the public’s right to know, even when that mission puts you at risk.”

Representing GIZ, Kweku Lartey Obeng, Head of Component for Strengthening Anti-Corruption Actors under the PAIReD programme, underscored the need for fearless journalism in democratic societies.

“Strong democracies depend on fearless truth-telling. Through partnerships like this, we ensure that those who speak truth to power have the tools and protection they need,” he said.

On the final day, WAJSIC’s founder and chairman, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, joined the session, sharing insights from his career in undercover reporting.

Wearing his signature mask, he reminded participants that “courage is contagious” and that integrity in their work is as vital as the stories they uncover.

The programme concluded with a networking barbecue, providing participants with space to reflect on lessons learnt and strengthen bonds.

One journalist currently hosted by WAJSIC expressed gratitude:

“It’s the first time in a long time I’ve felt both safe and empowered. I now have tools I didn’t even know I needed.”

Funding came from the German Cooperation, co-funded by the European Union, the Swiss Confederation, and Ghana’s Ministry of Finance, as part of a three-pronged support programme for WAJSIC residents.

By combining skill development with personal security training, WAJSIC reaffirmed its mission to safeguard the people behind the stories — and, ultimately, to defend the public’s right to truth.