The Executive Director of the Africa–China Centre for Policy & Advisory (ACCPA), Paul Frimpong, has underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of Ghana–China relations and ensuring accountability in the management of Ghana’s international partnerships.
Speaking during the opening session of the Ghana–China Media Fellowship (GCMF) 2026, Mr. Frimpong emphasized that as Ghana’s engagement with China continues to evolve across trade, investment, infrastructure, education, and development cooperation, the media has an increasingly important responsibility to provide accurate, balanced, and evidence-based information to the public.
IMAGE: Paul Frimpong, Executive Director of ACCPA, addressing participants during the opening session of the Ghana–China Media Fellowship 2026 in Accra.
According to him, public perceptions of international partnerships are often shaped by the quality of information available to citizens. As a result, journalists play a central role in helping the public understand the opportunities, challenges, and broader implications of Ghana’s engagement with China and other global partners.
“The media plays a critical role in shaping public understanding of the evolving relations between Ghana and China, as well as the broader international partnership ecosystem. Citizens rely on journalists to provide context, explain complex issues, and help them make sense of developments that affect national development and public policy,” Mr. Frimpong stated.
He further noted that beyond informing the public, journalists also serve as an important accountability mechanism within democratic societies.
“The responsibility of the media does not end with reporting events. Journalists must be prepared to ask difficult questions, interrogate policy choices, scrutinize agreements, and hold public officials accountable for decisions made in the national interest. This is particularly important in discussions surrounding international partnerships, including Ghana’s engagement with China.”
Mr. Frimpong stressed that informed public discourse requires rigorous journalism grounded in facts, evidence, and professional ethics rather than assumptions, misinformation, or sensational narratives.
He explained that the Ghana–China Media Fellowship was established to contribute to this objective by strengthening the capacity of media professionals to report on Ghana–China relations and international affairs in a balanced, informed, and context-driven manner.
The 2026 fellowship brings together journalists, media professionals, and content creators from across Ghana for a twelve-week learning and exchange programme focused on Ghana–China relations, global affairs, development cooperation, trade, governance, and media practice.
IMAGE: A cross-section of fellows during the opening session of the Ghana–China Media Fellowship 2026 in Accra.
Participants will engage in expert-led sessions, practical learning activities, collaborative projects, and field visits designed to deepen their understanding of the issues shaping Ghana’s engagement with China and the wider international community.
The opening session was marked by strong enthusiasm and engagement from participants, who expressed excitement about the opportunity to broaden their perspectives, engage with experts, and strengthen their professional capacity in reporting on international issues.
Source: www.sinoafricainsider.com