Since 2013, Penplusbytes has trained over 1,500 journalists in Sub Saharan Africa in using data journalism. In order to build on the gains of these trainings, Penplusbytes in partnership with the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) is offering another learning opportunity for journalists and other key stakeholders, especially from civil society groups, to leverage data skills to support transparency efforts in the extractive sector.
Data journalism is now becoming a necessity in newsrooms in Ghana, with journalists and editors recognizing its value in helping them report complex issues in easy to understand ways for their audiences. The training which will take place ahead of Ghana’s general elections 2016, will provide insights into how participants can effectively interrogate key electoral issues as they relate to the extractive sector.
The data training for journalists and non-media practitioners will allow for a series of brief hands-on presentations of tools, based on the actual needs expressed by participants. In all, 30 selected participants including 15 journalists with some experience in reporting from the extractive sector are expected for the week long training starting November 6th to 11th 2016.
The overall objective of the training is to provide skills and knowledge for participants to harness extractive data and data tools for analytical inquiry and data-driven journalism.
The Executive Director of Penplusbytes, Kwami Ahiabenu II said, “This year’s course is more importantly a buildup on what has been done over the years to ensure continuity and to enable participants we have trained before to remain engaged with and abreast with new/emerging policy issues, industry development and tools.”
He added that the focus of this year’s data-driven reporting deep dive demonstrates clear linkages with the previous initiatives and yet provides space for new comers to join the move towards more detailed data based commentary and analysis of issues especially as it pertains to oil and gas revenue.
About
Penplusbytes is a not-for-profit organization driving change through innovations in three key areas, namely using new digital technologies to enable good governance and accountability; new media and innovations; and driving oversight for effective utilisation of mining, oil and gas revenue and resources.
The Natural Resource Governance Institute is a non-profit policy institute and grant-making organization that promotes effective, transparent and accountable management of oil, gas and mineral resources for the public good.
