Refresher Workshop for Journalists Covering the Extractive Sector in Ghana

Venue: Coconut Grove Regency Hotel, Accra (Mozambique Link, North Ridge) Date: Tuesday 21 October 2014

Objectives

1. To sustain the interest of the Ghanaian media in covering the extractive sector (oil, gas, and mining). 2. To increase journalists’ awareness and knowledge of current and emerging governance issues in the extractive sector. 3. To provide reporters who cover the extractive sector with a platform to test story concepts, seek the advice of mentors and senior journalists, and exchange ideas.

Background

Since 2010, NRGI in partnership with Penplusbytes has trained Ghanaian reporters and senior journalists/editors in the skills and knowledge needed to effectively cover the extractive sector. The outcome of this training, through the media course and the regional summer school, has been an increase in the quantity, quality, and scope of media coverage of oil, gas, and mining issues. STAR-Ghana is supporting the training program this year to consolidate and sustain its results and gains. Within the context of increasing accountability and responsiveness of government, traditional authorities, and private enterprises to Ghanaian citizens, STAR- Ghana aims to increase the influence of civil society organizations, parliament, and the media in the governance of public goods and service delivery.

Purpose

The goal of NRGI’s capacity development program for journalists in Ghana and other countries is effective and consistent oversight by the media of extractive resources and revenues, contributing to their improved use for the public good. Journalists can fulfill their oversight role only through informed analysis and reporting, high quality and thoughtful comment, and investigative efforts. In turn, this requires solid reporting skills, understanding technical issues, and access to information and experts.

Expected Outcomes

By the end of the workshop and roundtable, the participants will: 1. Be familiar with emerging issues and trends in the extractive sector in Ghana. 2. Have learned about new research, data, tools, and resources relevant to journalists who cover the extractive sector. 3. Have reflected on their role as amplifiers of the citizens’ voice and ways to increase their effectiveness as journalists.

Lead Facilitator

Dr. Juliette Twumasi-Anokye holds a PhD in regulation, competition law, and economics from King’s College, London; LLM from University College, London; LLB from University of Ghana, Legon; and a post-graduate certificate in competition, regulation, and economics from University of Nottingham, UK. As a lawyer, she is qualified to practice law in Ghana and England and Wales. She is a regulatory specialist with over 20 years of experience in public law, anti-trust, regulation, local content, contracts, consumer protection, and policy development in various sectors in the UK, Europe, and Ghana. She is a partner at Anojul, Afriyie & Associates, a specialist regulatory, legal, and policy consultancy firm in Ghana and UK. Her clients include the Petroleum Commission of Ghana, where she is the consultant on local content. She is a member of the board of trustees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, Ghana Section. She was previously a senior legal counsel at the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, Ghana, advising on a broad spectrum of legal issues in the energy sector, including power, renewable energy, and oil and gas matters.