As a young boy growing up in Ghana, Emmanuel’s evenings were spent glued to the television screen, watching the news alongside his mother. Little did he know that those moments would ignite a passion for storytelling and inspire a career dedicated to bringing about positive change through journalism. Today, he has been recognised as Journalist of the month by the International Journalists’ Network (IJNet).
It was a seemingly ordinary news story that left an indelible mark on Emmanuel’s impressionable mind. A report by the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation shed light on a village struggling with water scarcity, prompting an NGO to step in and provide a borewell for the residents. The transformative impact of this news story planted the seed of inspiration in Emmanuel’s heart, setting him on a path towards becoming a journalist.
Emmanuel’s journey into journalism began during his time as a student at the University of Ghana, where he reported for the university’s student-led news outlet while pursuing his bachelor’s degree in consumer sciences. After graduation, he landed his first job at TV Africa, where he covered politics and business before eventually transitioning to a role as a producer and news anchor.
However, it was a climate reporting workshop organized by Ghana’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2019 that sparked a newfound passion within Emmanuel. From that moment on, he dedicated himself to shedding light on pressing environmental issues plaguing his country and the world at large.
His journey took him from one news channel to another, but it was his unwavering commitment to climate-related stories that remained constant. In 2021, fuelled by his passion for environmental reporting and driven by a desire to fill a gap in media coverage, Ameyaw founded The Climate Insight, a non-profit news organization dedicated exclusively to climate topics.
Since its inception, The Climate Insight has made significant strides in raising awareness about climate change and its impact on communities in Ghana and beyond. Through investigative reporting and in-depth analysis, Ameyaw and his team have tackled issues such as plastic pollution, illegal mining, and electronic waste dumping, sparking government action and driving positive change.
Running an independent news outlet comes with its own set of challenges, but for Ameyaw, the mission remains clear: to inform, educate, and inspire action on climate issues. With a small team of dedicated reporters and volunteers, he continues to navigate the complexities of sustainability and funding, seeking partnerships with stakeholders whose interests align with The Climate Insight’s mission.
As Emmanuel Ameyaw reflects on his journey from viewer to news maker, he remains steadfast in his commitment to championing climate reporting and empowering communities through the power of journalism. With each story told, he brings us one step closer to a more sustainable and resilient future for all.
Each month, IJNet features an international journalist who exemplifies the profession and has used the network to further his or her career. Congratulations to Emmanuel Kwabena Ameyaw on his recognition.
