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:

• Safety and security practices
• Digital safety
• Risk management
• Professional wellbeing

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.