US Exchange Programme alumni have urged Ghanaian journalists to take advantage of international exchange programmes to broaden their professional perspectives, acquire new skills and apply their experiences to strengthen journalism in Ghana.
They said exposure to different media environments and journalistic practices provided valuable lessons that could help journalists improve their work, contribute to national development and prepare for leadership roles in the media industry.
The call was made at a Freedom250 forum organised by the U.S Embassy in Accra on Wednesday, on the theme: ‘How United States Exchange Alumni are Shaping Journalism.’
Speaking at the forum, Acting Public Affairs Officer at the U.S Embassy, Mr Matthew Asada, explained that the event formed an important part of the Embassy’s public diplomacy efforts, bringing together alumni of its exchange programmes to share their experiences and discuss how the programmes had influenced and shaped their journalism careers.
He said the event also provided an opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness and impact of the programmes within American society, while highlighting how the experiences gained through the exchange programmes continued to influence participants after they returned to their home countries.
Broadcast Journalist and International Visitor Leadership Programme (IVLP) alumnus, Umaru Sanda Amadu, said his participation in an alumni programme that brought together more than 80 journalists from different countries exposed him to experiences and perspectives he would otherwise not have encountered.
He said he heard accounts of journalists being arrested in their studios or persecuted simply for practising journalism, experiences which made him appreciate the level of press freedom enjoyed in Ghana.
Mr Sanda mentioned that international exposure had taught him to recognise attempts by individuals to use journalists and their platforms for personal interests rather than the public good.
He said the knowledge gained from such programmes had influenced his approach to journalism, adding that exchange programmes could also prepare journalists for leadership positions, with some alumni becoming editors, managers and other media leaders.
Another panelist, Broadcast Journalist and Mandela Washington Fellow, Alfred Ocansey, added that his fellowship broadened his understanding of the relationship between press freedom, journalism and national development.
He emphasised that discussions comparing Ghana and Rwanda, particularly struck him citing that although Rwanda had made significant development gains, journalists there operated under greater restrictions, including censorship of radio programmes.
Mr Ocansey said the experience taught him to approach journalism beyond simply reporting stories and to consider the wider impact of his work on society.
He also urged journalists to adapt to the changing media landscape by combining accuracy with speed, particularly as bloggers and citizen journalists could publish information almost instantly.
Broadcast Journalist and IVLP alumna, Doreen Ampofo, on her part, indicated that the fellowship had contributed significantly to her professional development and had helped her build the confidence and networks that contributed to her winning several awards after the programme.
Moreover, Ms Ampofo underscored the importance of maintaining relationships developed through exchange programmes, describing the network she gained as having grown beyond professional connections into “a family.”
BY STEPHANIE BIRIKORANG
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