Accra, Ghana — In a move to strengthen environmental journalism across the continent, GAIA Africa has convened Ghanaian reporters for an in‑person training on zero waste reporting, ahead of the second edition of the Africa Zero Waste Academy in Kpone, Eastern Region.
The session, the first face‑to‑face meeting of the Africa Zero Waste Journalists (AZWJ) network since its launch in 2024, aimed to deepen journalists’ understanding of climate science, practical zero waste solutions and the new storytelling techniques needed in an era of artificial intelligence.
The AZWJ network, which has relied on quarterly virtual workshops to build capacity and expand membership, chose to bring members together this quarter to foster stronger professional ties and provide hands‑on learning. Organisers said the timing, immediately before the continent‑wide Academy, would allow participants to combine technical training with networking and field visits.
“The shift from virtual to in‑person training is about more than convenience,” said Ibrahim Khalilulahi Usman, communications associate at GAIA Africa and coordinator of the Africa Zero Waste Journalists network. “It is an opportunity to build trust, share lived experiences and equip reporters with the practical skills they need to hold power to account on waste, pollution and climate resilience.”
The day‑long workshop covered three core modules: the ABC of climate science, an in‑depth look at zero waste as a cost‑effective climate solution, and a practical session on promoting climate stories using short‑form video, commonly known as reels. Facilitators combined short lectures with group exercises and real‑world examples drawn from Ghanaian communities, from coastal erosion in the Volta region to urban flooding in Accra.
One session, led by Hafiz Larry Alhassan, focused on how journalists can use social media reels to amplify climate stories. “Reels are not just a trend; they are a tool for engagement,” Alhassan said. “A well‑crafted 30‑second clip can make complex science accessible, spur community action and reach audiences that traditional reporting often misses.”
Participants were encouraged to avoid simplistic narratives and to interrogate proposed “solutions” that may do more harm than good. The training emphasised the distinction between mitigation, efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and adaptation, which seeks to manage the impacts of a changing climate. It also highlighted the prevalence of false climate solutions, such as carbon offsets, waste‑to‑energy projects that can entrench polluting industries.
“Journalists must be able to spot greenwashing and question projects that are presented as climate action but fail to reduce emissions or harm local communities,” said Carissa Marnce, Africa communications manager at GAIA Africa. “Our role is to provide clear, evidence‑based information that will inform journalists reporting that helps the public and policymakers make informed choices.”
The zero waste module framed waste reduction, reuse and recycling as practical, community‑centred strategies that can cut emissions, create green jobs and improve public health. The Trainer, Desmond Alugnoa, GAIA Zero Waste & Climate Manager, presented case studies showing how local initiatives, from composting schemes to informal waste‑picker cooperatives, can deliver measurable benefits when supported by policy and investment.
Journalists worked in small groups to discuss climate issues and plan short video pieces that could be produced with minimal equipment. Several participants said they left the session with concrete story leads and a clearer sense of how to translate technical material into compelling journalism.
The in‑person meeting also served a broader purpose: strengthening a network of reporters who can collaborate across borders and share resources.AZWJ network hoped the face‑to‑face contact would lead to joint investigations, regional reporting projects and sustained peer support.
As climate impacts intensify across Africa, organisers argued, the need for rigorous, locally grounded reporting has never been greater. “We are training journalists not just to report events, but to explain systems, expose false solutions and highlight practical alternatives,” Khalilulahi said. “That kind of journalism can change the conversation and, ultimately, influence policy.”
The AZWJ network plans to continue its quarterly training cycle, combining virtual and in‑person formats to reach a wider pool of reporters. For now, organisers say the Accra workshop has set a new standard for how environmental journalism can be taught and practised on the continent.
