Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship 2026 in Ghana | Fully Funded Journalism Fellowship

Applications are now open for the 9th Edition of the Next Generation Investigative Journalism (NGIJ) Fellowship 2026, a prestigious fully funded residential fellowship organized by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA). The fellowship is designed for young journalism graduates, early-career journalists, and young professionals with a passion for investigative journalism in Ghana. It focuses on strengthening skills in accountability journalism, anti-corruption reporting, data journalism, and fact-checking.

The three-month fellowship forms part of MFWA’s initiative to promote transparency, accountability, and freedom of expression in Ghana. Participants will receive intensive practical training, mentorship from experienced investigative journalists, editorial support, and financial assistance to produce impactful investigative stories.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Country: Ghana
• Organizer: Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
• Programme: Next Generation Investigative Journalism (NGIJ) Fellowship – 9th Edition
• Programme Type: Residential Journalism Fellowship
• Duration: 3 Months
• Programme Period: September – November 2026
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Eligible Applicants: Young Ghanaian journalism graduates, early-career journalists, and young professionals
• Application Deadline: 30 July 2026

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• Fully funded participation in the residential fellowship
• Intensive training in investigative journalism
• Practical mentorship from experienced investigative journalists
• Financial and editorial support to produce at least one major investigative or in-depth story
• Monthly stipend
• Certificate of Honour upon successful completion
• Opportunities to work with Fact-Check Ghana and The Fourth Estate, MFWA’s flagship accountability journalism initiatives.

Training Areas

Participants will receive hands-on training in:

• Investigative journalism
• Accountability and anti-corruption reporting
• Right to Information (RTI) Law
• Data journalism
• Fact-checking and verification
• Investigative research methods
• Story development
• Ethical journalism
• Public interest reporting.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be Ghanaian nationals.
• Be a journalism graduate, an early-career journalist, or another young professional with a strong passion for journalism.
• Be available to participate fully in the three-month residential programme from September to November 2026.
• Demonstrate commitment to investigative and accountability journalism.

Women applicants and journalists working outside the Greater Accra Region are especially encouraged to apply.

Required Documents

Applicants must submit:

• A motivation letter (maximum 400 words) explaining why they wish to join the fellowship.
• Two published news articles (print, online, television, or radio). Applicants from other professions may submit one published blog article.
• A letter of consent from their employer (for employed journalists).
• An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) with two referees.

Selection Process

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Demonstrated interest in investigative journalism
• Quality of submitted work
• Motivation for joining the fellowship
• Potential to contribute to accountability journalism in Ghana
• Commitment to completing the full residential programme.

Why Apply?

The NGIJ Fellowship provides participants with the opportunity to:

• Learn directly from experienced investigative journalists.
• Develop practical reporting and fact-checking skills.
• Produce impactful investigative stories with editorial support.
• Build a strong professional network within Ghana’s media sector.
• Strengthen their careers in investigative and public interest journalism.
• Contribute to promoting transparency, accountability, and democratic governance.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should email the required documents to the address provided by MFWA before the deadline.

Application package should include:

1. Motivation letter (maximum 400 words)
2. Published articles or blog post
3. Employer’s consent letter (if applicable)
4. Updated CV with two referees

Applications must be submitted by 30 July 2026.

Important Dates

The Next Generation Investigative Journalism Fellowship 2026 is an outstanding opportunity for aspiring journalists in Ghana who are passionate about investigative reporting and public accountability. Through comprehensive training, expert mentorship, financial support, and practical newsroom experience, the fellowship equips participants with the skills needed to produce high-quality investigative journalism that drives transparency and social change. If you are an early-career journalist or journalism graduate seeking to make a meaningful impact, this fully funded fellowship is an excellent opportunity to advance your professional journey.