By Issah Mohammed, GNA
Accra, Dec. 18, GNA – Journalists working on Illicit Financial Flows‑related projects have identified the reluctance of key state institutions to release information as a major barrier to effective journalism.
They said requests made under the Right to Information Act often failed to produce results, as some institutions either did not respond or delayed the process.
Some public bodies, including the Ghana Audit Service, were however commended for being responsive and providing useful information when approached.
These concerns emerged at a two‑day reflection and knowledge‑sharing session organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) on Illicit Financial Flows investigations, Tax Justice and Domestic Resource Mobilisation.
Participants included journalists, civil society organisations, regulatory bodies, women’s rights groups and state accountability institutions.
Ms Winifred Lartey, a fellow of the 2025 Next Generation Investigative Journalism (NGU) project, told the Ghana News Agency that there was a significant systemic information gap that needed to be addressed.
She said a system should be created to allow journalists direct access to relevant data from public and private institutions, removing the human barriers currently encountered.
Mr Ibrahim Khalillulahi Usman, also an NGIJ fellow, called for sensitisation of public‑sector actors to appreciate the role of journalists.
“I think public institutions need to understand that journalists are their partners and we are not enemies. Some think because you are requesting an information from them so it might go against them,” he said.
For the past three years, the MFWA has implemented activities under the “Tax for Development: Strengthening Civil Society and Media for Fiscal Justice” project, aimed at building the capacity of the media and civil society to promote fiscal justice, public accountability and the fight against Illicit Financial Flows.
Madam Rosemond Ebi‑Adwo Aryeetey, Senior Programme Manager at MFWA, said the challenges raised had provided a learning opportunity for project implementers and state actors, who would work together to address them.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey