Accra, Ghana — In a move to strengthen environmental journalism across the continent, GAIA Africa convened Ghanaian journalists for an in-person training on climate and zero waste reporting ahead of the second edition of the Africa Zero Waste Academy in Kpone, Greater Accra 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 emerging storytelling techniques in the era of artificial intelligence.
The AZWJ network, which has relied on quarterly virtual workshops to build capacity and expand its membership, brought members together this quarter to strengthen professional relationships and provide hands-on learning. Organisers said the timing, immediately before the continent-wide Academy, would allow participants to combine technical training, 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 featured three core modules: the ABC of climate science, an in-depth examination of zero waste as a cost-effective climate solution, and a practical session on promoting climate stories through short-form videos, commonly known as reels. Facilitators combined presentations with group exercises and real-world examples drawn from Ghanaian communities, ranging 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 move beyond simplistic narratives and critically examine proposed climate “solutions” that may do more harm than good. The training emphasised the distinction between mitigation—efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions—and adaptation, which focuses on managing the impacts of climate change. It also highlighted false climate solutions, including carbon offset schemes and waste-to-energy projects that can entrench polluting industries.
“Journalists must be able to identify greenwashing and question projects that are presented as climate action but fail to reduce emissions or that harm local communities,” said Carissa Marnce, Africa Communications Manager at GAIA Africa. “Our role is to provide clear, evidence-based information that supports journalists in producing reporting that helps the public and policymakers make informed choices.”
The zero waste module presented waste reduction, reuse, and recycling as practical, community-centred strategies that can reduce emissions, create green jobs, and improve public health. Trainer Desmond Alugnoa, GAIA Africa’s Zero Waste and Climate Manager, presented case studies demonstrating how local initiatives—from composting schemes to informal waste-picker cooperatives—can deliver measurable benefits when supported by sound policies and investment.
Journalists worked in small groups to identify climate issues and develop concepts for short video stories that could be produced with minimal equipment. Several participants said they left the workshop with concrete story ideas and a clearer understanding of how to translate technical information 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. Organisers said they hope the face-to-face engagement will lead to joint investigations, regional reporting projects, and sustained peer support among members of the AZWJ network.
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 programme by combining virtual and in-person sessions to reach a wider community of journalists. For now, organisers say the Accra workshop has set a new benchmark for how environmental journalism can be taught and practised across the continent.
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