The Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Hon. Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo (MP), has called for stronger accountability, gender inclusion, and ethical journalism in Africa’s extractive sector.
Speaking at the launch of the Africa Extractives Media Fellowship (AEMF) in Accra, the Hon Minister described the initiative as a transformative platform amplifying informed voices in natural resource governance.
He noted that Africa’s development narrative will be defined by how well it manages and tells the story of its resources, urging journalists to uphold accuracy, fairness, and balance in their reporting.
“Every story about extractives is ultimately a story about people, workers, job seekers, and families whose lives depend on these industries,” he stated, emphasizing that responsible reporting is central to driving inclusive and sustainable growth.
The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Berenice Owen-Jones, noted that beyond mineral wealth, the Australia – Ghana partnership thrives on human connections fostered through education, capacity building, and professional exchanges, with over 500 Ghanaians benefitting from Australian Government scholarships.
“A responsive and inclusive media does more than inform, it holds power to account and fosters peace through understanding,” she remarked, pledging Australia’s continued support for initiatives advancing responsible journalism and gender equality.
Representing the Presidency, Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff, commended the AEMF as a model of international collaboration and national development. She lauded the fellowship’s focus on transparency, inclusion, and youth empowerment, describing it as vital to Ghana’s democratic growth and sustainable future.
“Government will continue to work with partners such as Australia and civil society to ensure that our extractive resources serve the interests of all Ghanaians, men and women, present and future generations,” she affirmed.
The Programme Lead of the Africa Extractives Media Fellowship, Mr. Kwakye Afreh Nuamah, revealed that the fellowship attracted over 300 applications from journalists across nine African countries, underscoring a growing hunger for ethical and impactful storytelling.
“The six-month programme will build capacity in data-driven reporting, sustainability, and gender-sensitive journalism,” he said, adding that the fellowship’s goal is to nurture a new generation of African journalists equipped to shape the continent’s extractive narrative with courage, accuracy, and empathy.