Ousman A. Marong among 90 Journalists joins Media Foundation for West Africa's launch of Regional Network of Investigative and Public Interest Journalists

Photo of Participating Members during the launch

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has launched the Regional Network of Investigative and Public Interest Journalists (NIPIJ), bringing together 90 journalists from across the region, including Gambian journalist Ousman A. Marong.

This regional initiative aims to strengthen investigative journalism and deepen accountable governance across West Africa. 

The initiative is implemented by the Media Foundation for West Africa with funding from DW Akademie. 

Participants highlighted the imperative of cross-border collaborations to enhance the incidence and impact of investigative and public interest reporting in the region.

This brainchild of the MFWA, with support from DW Akademie, NIPIJ will serve as an umbrella network for investigative journalists across West Africa, fostering cross-border collaboration, enhancing professional standards, and advancing impactful public interest journalism. 

Promoting accountability through regional collaboration 

Speaking at the launch, Dr Kojo Impraim, Director of MFWA’s Media for Democracy and Good Governance (MDGG) programme, described NIPIJ as a significant step toward promoting accountability and transparency in the region. He noted that the network would bring together journalists with diverse expertise to collaborate, share information, and strengthen their capacity to investigate and report on issues of public interest, including corruption and human rights abuses. 

Dr. Impraim added that the initiative is intended to empower journalists to serve the public more effectively and contribute to building informed and resilient societies. Other speakers highlighted the growing risks faced by investigative journalists in the region, including intimidation, legal threats, and financial constraints. 

Mr. Jeorge Kingson Wilson, Executive Secretary of the Private Newspapers and Online Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG), described the creation of NIPIJ as a timely intervention that will promote collaboration and support rigorous investigative work across-borders. 

In a solidarity message, Abdulai Awudu, President of the Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA), emphasised that the network provides a critical support system, particularly for broadcast journalists, reinforcing both the normative watchdog role and constitutionally guaranteed mandate of the media in pursuing investigative journalism and advancing the public interest. 

Support mechanisms for members 

According to Adizatu Moro Maiga, Programme Manager at the MFWA, NIPIJ will provide a range of support mechanisms for members, including funding for investigative projects, professional development opportunities, and assistance to address legal and safety risks. 

She said the network aims to build a strong community of journalists committed to impactful public interest reporting, while promoting safety, collaboration, and access to resources. 

Commitment to NIPIJ 

The network was officially launched by Prof. Akua Opokua Britwum, Chairperson of Ghana’s National Media Commission, who also delivered the keynote address. She expressed the Commission’s commitment to working with the MFWA for the success of the initiative. The establishment of NIPIJ is expected to enhance regional cooperation among journalists and strengthen the role of the media in promoting accountability and good governance in West Africa.

VOX POP On COVID-19: Market Vendors Decry Stand- Still On The Business Sector Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak

Photo: Ali Wally

 By Ousman A. Marong

The widely discussed COVID-19 known by many as Coronavirus made its way to the tiny West African country (The Gambia) through a UK based Gambian in her mid-20s, who visited the country on 14^th March 2020 and was tested positive of the disease.

The roaming reporter was out and about to gauge the opinion of the businesspeople amidst the COVID-19 outbreak.

Ali Wally, a market vendor at the busy Serrekunda market said the fear of COVID-19 and the rapid spread of the virus is taking the world at random.

“Market has never been boring in The Gambia like this. People have found it very difficult to move around especially around the market areas since the outbreak of the Novel COVID-19. We do not have a lot of budgets and we don’t have a lot of revenue. Since I cannot stay indoors for a month I have to go and look for something to sustain me,” said Ali Wally.

He observed that nobody in the county can stay indoors for a full day without looking for means of survival. He queried why Gambians never take things seriously unless it starts to harm.

He quoted a saying from the Prophet Muhammed (SAW): “Do not leave a country in which there is a disease or calamity and also those who are there should also remain in.” He urged all and sundry to take all preventive measures and to remain hygiene.

“The sky-rocketing prices of commodities are due to the fact The Gambia does not produce anything and had to depend on import products. When there is nothing coming in, of course, businessmen and women will increase the prices of commodities to table the scale of preference,” he highlighted.

Bafoday Touray, on his part stated that business is all about customers, adding that people are not coming to buy as usual since the outbreak.

                                  
“You can sit here for about three to four hours without receiving any customer. The news about the outbreak is causing a lot of panics.”

He urged all and sundry to listen to health experts and heed to their advice.

Photo: Louis Gospel

Louis Gospel, a Nigerian businessmen residing in the country described the condition in the country as very serious and stressful.

“Nobody can enjoy the system. The way the business is going in The Gambia is not good. The government must find a solution to end the virus. Our children are no more going to school. Everywhere is closed, it’s the school who should give us the education and if the government shuts them down where are we heading now?” he asked.

He added: “We've been experiencing a lot of sickness such as HIV and AIDS, swine flu, Etc and by the grace of God we have conquered them all.  All these viruses come and go. When Hiv/AIDS and Ebola came, we panicked and now we have forgotten about them,” he concluded.