The Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), in partnership with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), is pleased to announce a call for applications for the Voices for Change: Ghana 2024 (V4C Ghana 24) project. The project seeks to enhance the capacity of journalists and civil society organisations to raise awareness and execute effective advocacy campaigns focused on accountability and justice for human rights abuses affecting marginalised communities, women, and youth in Ghana and West Africa. The goal of this initiative is to address critical human rights violations and promote accountability through investigative journalism and advocacy, ultimately contributing to their reduction.

Across Ghana and the broader West African region, marginalised communities, women, and youth continue to face severe human rights abuses. These violations often occur in contexts where there is limited accountability, and the voices of those affected remain unheard. From gender-based violence to the suppression of minority rights, the region grapples with complex challenges that undermine the principles of justice and equality. In a time when disinformation and malign influence increasingly distort the truth, the demand for impactful investigative journalism and strong advocacy is more critical than ever. Accurate, impactful reporting can shed light on these abuses, mobilise public opinion, and drive the changes necessary to protect vulnerable populations.

The V4C Ghana 24 project therefore aims to support investigations and campaigns that explore serious human rights abuses impacting these groups, as there is an urgent need to confront and address the systemic issues that perpetuate injustice and obstruct progress towards a more equitable society.  We, therefore, invite journalists and civil society organisations (CSOs) who are committed to human rights and social justice to apply to be a part of this project. Selected participants will receive associated training, funding, and mentoring opportunities to develop in-depth investigative reports or advocacy campaigns that focus on the following areas:

• Human Rights Abuses: Reporting or advocacy on critical human rights violations that affect marginalised communities, women, and youth.
• Malign Influence and Disinformation: Investigating and uncovering the role of disinformation and external influence in perpetuating human rights abuses.
• Investigative Journalism: Focus on enhancing techniques for uncovering and reporting on serious human rights abuses.
• Marginalised Communities: Special emphasis on issues affecting marginalised groups, including women and youth, to ensure their experiences and voices are adequately represented.

Participants will have up to 1 month to produce an investigative report or run an advocacy campaign.

Requirement

Please note that participation is competitive, and only eight journalists and eight CSOs will be selected for final inclusion in the project. Priority will be given to applications that explore relevant topics, demonstrate a clear purpose, and aim for impact.

Selection Criteria

• Journalists must be based in Accra (including non-Ghanaian journalists) and have experience or interest in reporting on human rights issues, particularly those affecting marginalised groups.
• The Civil Society Organisation (CSO) must be based in Accra, including those advocating for broader West African issues, and must demonstrate a proven track record in human rights advocacy.
• Journalists and CSOs must submit a pitch for a story or an advocacy campaign as part of their application (download the pitch template below). Pitches will be evaluated based on relevance to the priority areas, potential impact, and the capacity of the organisation or individual to effectively utilise the training.
• Journalists and CSOs must demonstrate the ability to reach key audiences and effect change through investigative journalism or advocacy.
• Story ideas or advocacy campaigns must align with the project’s focus on serious human rights abuses, marginalised communities, and disinformation.
• Applicants must be available for a 3-day in-person non-residential training in Accra.
• Applicants must be willing to dedicate time to activities, events, and meetings that will arise during the project.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should complete the appropriate form indicated below. Please note that a section of the form will require you to upload the pitch document to complete your application.

Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications here