Dikan Journalism Fellows with Matthew Asada, Press Attachee at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana; Beatrice Owusu-Boateng, former head of Dikan’s Education Department; and Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, former rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism and a current Board Chair of New Times Corporation

Here at Dikan, we're thrilled to kick off our inaugural Journalism Fellowship—a unique, five-month program designed to elevate early to mid-career journalists across Ghana. This isn’t just any fellowship; it’s a transformative journey where ten fellows, including four remarkable women, will dive into high-impact journalism, exploring issues that truly shape our communities. Through this fellowship for journalists in Ghana, Dikan aims to set a standard for high-quality, ethical reporting in Ghana and across the continent.

From environmental challenges such as galamsey (illegal mining) to human rights and governance, these fellows are stepping up to “take the lead” in bringing untold stories to the forefront. In a country that stands as a beacon of independence and democracy in West Africa, the importance of a free and informed press is even greater—especially in an election year. This fellowship empowers journalists to spotlight issues that impact Ghana’s future, fostering transparency and public accountability at a critical time.

The fellowship kicked off with a celebration filled with inspiring words from our friends and partners: Matthew Asada, Press Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana; Beatrice Owusu-Boateng, former head of Dikan’s Education Department; and Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, former rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism and a current Board Chair of New Times Corporation. Their speeches underscored the critical importance of ethics in journalism, particularly in the context of African media and education, and the profound responsibility journalists hold within society. In a year as pivotal as this election year, their words highlighted the essential role that accurate, ethical reporting plays in upholding Ghana’s democratic values and in addressing the nation’s most pressing issues. Their words set the tone for a fellowship rooted in integrity, innovation, and impact.

Matthew Asada, Press Attaché at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana

Professor Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, former rector of the Ghana Institute of Journalism and a current Board Chair of New Times Corporation

Beatrice Owusu-Boateng, former head of Dikan’s Education Department

Over the next five months, these fellows will have the chance to learn from some of the most respected voices in media, dive into hands-on workshops, and collaborate with mentors from Ghana and beyond. Through a dynamic combination of hands-on reporting projects, rigorous research, and mentorship, fellows will receive specialized training in areas such as investigative reporting, digital journalism skills, ethics and professional standards, media law, and freedom of expression. They will also gain critical skills in data journalism, solutions journalism, media management, and entrepreneurship. Practical workshops, including a boot camp for Journalist Safety covering first aid and mental health, will prioritize their well-being and resilience in the field.

Guided by both local and international journalists, scholars, and professionals, this comprehensive program ensures fellows return to their roles empowered to produce impactful, informed, and innovative journalism, addressing some of Ghana's most pressing issues with precision and integrity. This fellowship, made possible with the backing of the U.S. Embassy, is more than just a program; it’s part of Dikan’s mission to foster an empowered, informed media landscape in Ghana. With a program that covers everything from investigative reporting to solutions journalism, they’ll be equipped with the skills and resilience to report fearlessly on the issues that matter most.

We’re thrilled to introduce this year’s cohort, each bringing fresh perspectives and a deep dedication to public service journalism. Our 2024-2025 fellows are:

Rebecca Tetteh - News Anchor, Reporter and Writer (Global Media Alliance Broadcasting Company Limited)
Esther Agyapong - Editor and Reporter (The New Independent/The News Narratives)
Dollita Okine - Journalist (Face2Face Africa)
Stella Botchwey - Journalist (Daily Guide Network)
Prince Antwi - Journalist, Happy FM (Global Media Alliance)
Jeremiah Nutsugah - Journalist (Ghana Broadcasting Corporation)
Joseph Kuuire - Founder & Editor (Tech Labari)
Joshua Narh - News Reporter & Producer (MX24 TV)
Ishmael Awudi - Editor and Journalist (Ghana News Guide)
Sampson Kumah - Investigative Journalist & Broadcast Reporter

Keep an eye on us at @dikancenter to follow our journalism fellows’ journey as they bring their vision and passion to life.

Dikan Center’s New Journalism Fellowship Empowers 10 Ghanaian Journalists to “Take the Lead”