The Whistleblowers and Journalists Safety International Center (WAJSIC) has announced to journalists, whistleblowers and human rights advocates who are in distress anywhere in Ghana to apply for temporary support in secure shelters provided by the centre.
At least 122 journalists were killed globally in 2024, according to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ).
In Africa, 10 journalists were killed in 2024, compared to 9 in 2023, the federation said.
The shelter support, according to WAJSIC, is comprehensive and will span a period of three months.
It includes: a secure shelter in Accra and other parts of Ghana; such amenities as internet access, psychological and medical support; a small stipend to cover food and local travel expenses; workshop opportunities for residents; and assistance with repatriation after the 3-month stay at the shelter.
“This call is aimed at supporting those facing threats, violence, or significant risks in Ghana.
“If you are a journalist, whistleblower, or human rights defender in distress, we encourage you to apply for this program,” the centre highlighted in a statement released Thursday.
The statement provided this link https://forms.gle/rq2FUjA4CByHfyKc8 for prospective applicants to sign up.
It added this email address wajsic2021@gmail.com and these telephone contacts— +233542815635, +233244116817 and a WhatsApp number +233202510096— for further information.
More about WAJSIC
Headquartered in Ghana’s capital, Accra, WAJSIC has been providing refuge and legal support to journalists, whistleblowers and human rights activists at risk in collaboration with France-based Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF).
WAJSIC— partnering with the European Union, the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ), Schwizerischi Eidgnosseschaft, the German Cooperation and Ghana’s Ministry of Finance— serves as a sanctuary for those who face persecution for exposing corruption, injustice and abuse of power.
The organisation was founded by Ghanaian-born undercover investigative journalist and lawyer, Anas Aremeyaw Anas, in support of media freedom and whistleblower protection.
The two partners (WAJSIC and PPLAAF) have remained a lifeline for journalists and whistleblowers across Africa, particularly those in volatile regions like the Sahel.
In May, last year, WAJSIC and PPLAAF organised a training programme in Accra for investigative journalists on corruption, embezzlement of public funds, money laundering, terrorism financing and other crimes “that undermine the stability and development of a state.”
Source: Edward Adeti/Media Without Borders/mwbonline.org
