MFWA Introduces GH¢544,000 Fund to Aid Journalists Against SLAPPs in Ghana

General News of Tuesday, 8 September 2026 Source: Webbers Choice 2026-09-08 « Prev Next » Comments (0) Listen to Article The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has launched a Legal Support Fund. This fund has an allocation of approximately GHS 544,000. It addresses concerns about Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs). These lawsuits target critical journalists and media organizations in Ghana. The fund will provide legal assistance to those facing litigation and judicial harassment. The fund is part of the African Media Integrity and Resilience Programme (AMIRP). This program operates in Ethiopia, Ghana, and the Central African Republic with European Union funding. AMIRP aims to strengthen public-interest media practitioners' capacity. It focuses on providing ethical, fact-based information in these countries. In Ghana, MFWA implements the program in collaboration with DW Akademie Ghana through International Media Support (IMS). The establishment of this fund builds on MFWA's efforts to promote freedom of expression. For nearly three decades, MFWA has monitored press freedom violations while advocating for journalists' safety. Key interventions include creating the West Africa Network of Activists and Media Defence Lawyers (WANAMDEL). This network offers legal support to journalists facing harassment across West Africa. The Legal Support Fund enhances these efforts by offering a dedicated mechanism for eligible journalists in Ghana. Eligible applicants can find the application form online. Applications must include supporting documents such as court processes and legal notices. Key activities under AMIRP include supporting five early-career female journalists through a fellowship. This 12-month fellowship strengthens their skills in public-interest journalism through training and mentorship at The Fourth Estate newsroom. Starting September 14, 2026, sixty journalists from across Ghana will participate in training workshops. These workshops will cover constitutional, legal, and regulatory frameworks governing journalism in Ghana. Participants will learn to manage legal risks and respond to violations effectively. Additionally, MFWA plans to produce a policy research study assessing gaps in journalism education curricula in Ghana. Further studies will explore issues affecting media statehood including ownership patterns, journalist safety, and legislative gaps. For more information, contact MFWA via email at [email protected] or call +233 302 555327. DISCLAIMER: The views expressed by readers do not necessarily represent Multimedia Group Limited's views or policies. Comments: This article has no comments yet, be the first to comment