Journalists can make impact through investigative journalism

Mr Philip Teye Agbove, the winner of the Online Journalist of the Year at the 28th Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) Media Awards, has urged up-and-coming journalists to venture into investigative journalism, to drive positive change in their communities.Mr Agbove said journalism was not just about pointing out problems but also advocating for solutions and making sure that the everyday struggles of people did not go unheard.He said Ghana needed the type of journalism that went beyond the surface; bringing into light stories that others may ignore, especially in a world where misinformation, corruption, and injustice continued to thrive.In an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Mr Agbove, said the field of investigative journalism required courage, persistence, and an unwavering commitment to truth, emphasising that journalism had the power to reshape society, and encouraged more young people to be willing to take up the mantle.'The journey has taught me that change is possible, but it requi res persistence and courage; it has also shown me the power of journalism in advocating for the voiceless and pushing for accountability; every story I've worked on, every risk I've taken, has been worth it because of the impact it has had on the communities I serve,' he stated.?The Online Journalist of the Year said although investigative journalism was not an easy path, it was rewarding, as it made leaders accountable, exposed injustice, and drove meaningful change in society.?He revealed that he had lost count of the number of threats he received for some publications he did, but commitment to truth and an unyielding resilience in the face of obstacles being one of the principles he adhered to, pushed him to take a step further by uncovering hidden truths, exposing corruption, and bringing real issues to the forefront.?'Growing up, I saw the profound impact that injustice had on marginalised communities, and I felt a deep urge to use my platform to expose these issues and hold those in power accounta ble,' he further stated.'My aim has always been to drive solutions by holding those in positions of influence accountable for their actions or inactions. As a journalist, I believe that our duty goes beyond reporting the news, we have a responsibility to dig deeper, to uncover the truths that are often buried under layers of deception, corruption, and neglect,' he noted.?Mr Agbove indicated that the plight of communities that had been failed by those in power moved him to use his skills to shine a light on those issues, stressing that he wanted to be a voice for the voiceless and a catalyst for change.Source: Ghana News Agency