Deadline: 04-Jul-2026
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), with funding from the European Union through International Media Support, is accepting applications for a 12-month mentorship programme for young female journalists and journalism graduates in Ghana. The programme combines residential training, mentorship, newsroom attachment, and financial support to strengthen investigative and accountability journalism. Selected participants receive professional coaching, a monthly stipend, editorial support, and the opportunity to produce investigative stories.
Young Female Journalists Mentorship Programme Overview
The Young Female Journalists Mentorship Programme is a professional development initiative designed to equip women in Ghana with advanced investigative journalism skills and strengthen gender representation in the media sector.
The programme is implemented by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) with funding from the European Union through International Media Support.
It focuses on promoting ethical journalism, accountability reporting, media integrity, and women’s leadership in investigative journalism.
Purpose of the Programme
The programme aims to:
- Strengthen investigative and accountability journalism
- Increase women’s participation in the media industry
- Promote ethical and responsible journalism
- Counter misinformation and disinformation
- Improve reporting on governance and public policy
- Build professional networks for early-career female journalists
Training Areas
Participants will receive practical training in:
Investigative Journalism
- Investigative reporting techniques
- Accountability journalism
- Public interest reporting
- Governance and policy investigations
Mobile Journalism
Training includes:
- Mobile reporting techniques
- Smartphone-based journalism
- Digital news gathering
Fact-Checking
Participants will learn:
- Verification methods
- Identifying misinformation
- Countering disinformation
- Digital verification tools
Multimedia Storytelling
Topics include:
- Digital storytelling
- Multimedia reporting
- Audio and video journalism
- Content production for digital platforms
Women’s Safety in Journalism
Training covers:
Programme Structure
The programme runs for 12 months using a hybrid learning model.
Phase 1: Residential Training
- Duration: 2 months
- Format: In-person
- Accommodation provided at the designated training venue
Phase 2: Mentorship
- Duration: 10 months
- Format: Non-residential
- Individual coaching from experienced female editors and governance experts
Newsroom Attachment
Participants will complete a:
- 6-month hybrid newsroom attachment
- Placement with The Fourth Estate under MFWA’s Independent Journalism Project
Benefits
Selected participants will receive:
- Professional mentorship and coaching
- Monthly stipend
- Financial support for investigative reporting
- Editorial guidance
- Opportunity to produce at least four investigative or in-depth stories
- Newsroom attachment experience
- Certificate of Honour upon successful completion
- Networking opportunities with experienced journalists
Who is Eligible?
Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:
- Female Ghanaian national
- Journalism graduate, early-career journalist, or young professional
- Passion for investigative and accountability journalism
- Able to participate fully from July 2026 to June 2027
Eligible Regions
Applicants must reside in one of the following regions of Ghana:
- Eastern Region
- Central Region
- Ashanti Region
- Bono East Region
- Savannah Region
- Northern Region
- Upper West Region
Application Requirements
Applicants must submit:
Motivation Letter
A motivation letter of no more than 300 words explaining:
- Why they wish to participate
- Their interest in investigative journalism
- How the programme will support their career
Journalism Work Samples
Journalists must provide:
- Links to two published news articles
Other professionals must provide:
- One published blog post
Additional Documents
Applicants must also submit:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Two referees
Staff journalists must additionally provide:
- Letter of consent from their employer
Only shortlisted applicants from the eligible regions will be contacted.
How the Programme Works (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Ensure you meet the nationality, gender, residence, and professional requirements.
Step 2: Prepare Your Application
Gather:
- Motivation letter
- Published articles or blog post
- CV
- Referee details
- Employer consent letter (if applicable)
Step 3: Submit Your Application
Complete the application before the deadline with all required documents.
Step 4: Selection Process
Applications are reviewed based on:
- Eligibility
- Motivation
- Journalism experience
- Commitment to accountability journalism
Step 5: Attend Residential Training
Successful applicants participate in the two-month residential training programme.
Step 6: Complete Mentorship and Newsroom Attachment
Participants receive coaching while producing investigative stories and completing the newsroom attachment.
Why This Programme Matters
The mentorship programme helps:
- Increase women’s representation in investigative journalism
- Strengthen media accountability
- Improve public interest reporting
- Promote ethical journalism
- Build investigative reporting skills
- Counter misinformation and disinformation
- Develop the next generation of female media leaders in Ghana
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Exceeding the 300-word motivation letter limit
- Forgetting to include published work samples
- Omitting the employer consent letter (for staff journalists)
- Applying from an ineligible region
- Submitting an incomplete CV
- Not demonstrating interest in investigative journalism
- Missing required referee information
Tips for a Strong Application
- Write a clear and compelling motivation letter
- Highlight your interest in investigative and accountability journalism
- Showcase your strongest published work
- Demonstrate commitment to ethical reporting
- Explain your career goals and expected impact
- Ensure all required documents are complete and well organized
- Proofread your application before submission
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Who can apply for the mentorship programme?
Female Ghanaian journalism graduates, early-career journalists, and young professionals with an interest in investigative journalism.
2. How long is the programme?
The programme runs for 12 months, from July 2026 to June 2027.
3. Is financial support provided?
Yes. Selected participants receive a monthly stipend along with financial and editorial support for producing investigative stories.
4. What training topics are covered?
Training includes investigative journalism, governance reporting, mobile journalism, fact-checking, multimedia storytelling, digital content production, and women’s safety in journalism.
5. Is accommodation provided?
Yes. Accommodation is provided during the two-month residential training period.
6. What documents are required?
Applicants must submit a motivation letter, CV, two referees, published articles or a blog post, and an employer consent letter if they are staff journalists.
7. Which regions are eligible?
Applicants must reside in the Eastern, Central, Ashanti, Bono East, Savannah, Northern, or Upper West Regions of Ghana.
Conclusion
The Young Female Journalists Mentorship Programme offers an outstanding opportunity for emerging female journalists in Ghana to strengthen their investigative reporting skills, receive professional mentorship, and gain practical newsroom experience. Through intensive training, editorial support, and financial assistance, participants are equipped to produce impactful journalism that promotes transparency, accountability, and ethical reporting.
By investing in women journalists and supporting high-quality investigative reporting, the programme contributes to stronger media institutions, informed public discourse, and greater accountability in Ghana.
For more information, visit MFWA.
