Penplusbytes organises roundtable discussion on extractive sector for journalists

International Institute of ICT Journalism - Penplusbytes in partnership with Revenue Watch institute - Natural Resource Charter (RWI-NRC) is organising a roundtable for 32 journalists and editors who have successfully completed “Strengthening Media Oversight over Extractive Industries” training programme on the theme: “Gas Commercialisation as a Solution to Ghana’s Energy Crisis – Myth or Reality?" in Accra.

The refresher workshop and mentoring roundtable is aimed at bringing together past trainee journalists who have benefited from this initiative to engage with Stakeholders in the Oil and Gas sector on topical issues and developments within the sector. 

Penplusbytes working with other partners in Uganda and Tanzania have since 2010 trained nearly a hundred journalists on skills and knowledge needed to effectively report on the extractive sector in Ghana, Uganda and Tanzania.

This has resulted not only in an increased reportage of oil and gas stories but also an improvement in the depth, content, scope and impact of oil and gas stories in the media landscape in the three selected countries.

This year, the project is being supported by STAR-Ghana with the view to consolidating and sustaining the outcomes and gains achieved by the project.

With great interest in enhancing accountability, improving responsiveness and ensuring increased transparency, Star-Ghana aims to support and empower the media in their oversight responsibility in order to ensure the efficient management of revenues from the extractive sector,adequate provision of essential public goods and efficient public service delivery.

According to Kwami Ahiabenu II, president of Penplusbytes, “The key objective of this event is to sustain the interest of Ghanaian journalists in covering the extractive sectors,update journalists’ knowledge of current and emerging governance issues in the sector and to provide a platform for journalists to seek the advice of mentors and exchange ideas.”

Dr. Joe Asamoah an eminent expert in the oil and gas sector and energy economist will deliver the key note address with others such as Dr. George Lugalambi, the media program officer of RWI-NRC, Dr. Mohammed Amin, Africa Centre for Energy Policy (ACEP),and Dr Arne Disch, Managing Partner Scanteam, Norwegian independent advisory group with extensive field-experience from 100 countries.

A second workshop/roundtable is scheduled for the second half of this year.