Championing Justice and Human Rights in Ghana

An IWPR initiative is supporting investigative journalists and citizen campaigners in Ghana to defend human rights and hold authorities accountable. 

Implemented by the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID) the project brings together journalists, activists and civil society organisations to expose human rights abuses, amplify marginalised voices and advocate for systemic change.

“The goal is to build a coalition that not only reports on injustice but moves the needle toward meaningful reform,” explained Ifeanyi Chukwudi, senior manager of CJID’s development programme. “We believe that through responsible reporting and relentless advocacy, we can shift narratives and empower affected communities.”

Voices for Change kicked off with a three-day workshop in September aimed at equipping journalists and civil society partners with essential investigative and advocacy tools and techniques. 

Sessions emphasised ethical reporting and collaborative strategies to document and address human rights abuses effectively, as well as targeted trainings on legal issues and security strategies.

The initiative spearheaded more than a dozen impactful investigative reports and advocacy campaigns focused on issues such as gender-based violence, police brutality and suppression of minority rights. 

David Awusi, an advocate from the Youth Rise International NGO, explained that his story focused on the systemic challenges persons with disabilities faced in the health system.

“In vulnerable rural communities, persons with disabilities encounter profound barriers to equitable healthcare, stemming from deeply ingrained prejudices and infrastructural limitations,” Awusi explained. “Through this investigation, we seek to shine a light on these injustices, amplify the voices of those affected, and push for policy reforms that will lead to more inclusive and fair healthcare systems.”

Another story highlighted the plight of Judith Yaa Kumah, a 21-year-old musician still fighting for justice following her wrongful arrest and brutal treatment in February 2024.

Initially mistaken for a suspect linked to a high-profile robbery, during interrogation a police officer ripped off part of Kumah’s ear in an attempt to force a confession. Although her case was discharged by the court in August 2024 due to a lack of evidence, and despite a formal police apology, she has yet to receive the promised medical care or justice. 

By empowering journalists and civil society organisations with the training and resources needed to tell such stories, Voices for Change highlights the importance of public accountability and advocacy efforts to promote policy shifts that strengthen human rights.

This project follows the successful Voices for Change initiative previously implemented in Nigeria, where CJID is headquartered, expanding efforts to amplify marginalised voices and promote justice in West Africa.