At a glance
- Gain practical experience while learning directly from journalists, reporters, editors, and producers.
- Work in print or radio and produce content about topics you’re interested in.
- Talk about issues that affect local communities and fill your portfolio with interesting examples of your work.
Is the Journalism internship in Ghana right for me?
This project is perfect for you if you are looking to add practical journalistic experience to your CV. If you have a keen interest in writing and have an eye for news, then sign up!
You can choose between print or radio journalism. Start building your portfolio and future journalistic career.
You don’t need previous experience, but you should have advanced English language skills, both spoken and written. We strongly recommend familiarising yourself with the social and political news going on within the country before you arrive. You may cover topics related to these issues, and it will help you hit the ground running when you start.
This project is available all year round, so you can choose when you’d like to join. The longer you stay, the more you’ll see, and the more journalism work experience you’ll gain while in Ghana.
What will I do at my Journalism placement in Ghana?
You’ll get involved in the daily runnings of a print publication or radio station. Depending on the field you choose, you’ll help:
1
Find new stories relevant to your target audience and conduct research and interviews
2
Learn how to write news stories under the guidance of your supervisor
3
Edit and proofread news stories before sending the final draft to publication
4
Publish finalized news stories or report on current news and events
As an intern, you can work in print or radio journalism. Whichever path you choose, you’ll complete the following activities:
Find new stories relevant to your target audience and conduct research and interviews
Stories won’t be handed to you on a plate. You’ll need to take the initiative to seek out stories that’ll pique the interests of your readers. Your days will be spent networking with important figures to uncover information.
You can choose a niche to focus on, drawing inspiration from:
- Press conferences
- Parliamentary visits (Accompanied by a supervisor)
- Law reports
- Sport
- Entertainment
- Business
- Your experience
- Anything that captures your interest
Remember to keep your target audience in mind and ask for help when you need it. Even before your internship begins, you should be doing research. Read up on the history and politics of Ghana, including its prominent leaders. Use what you find to generate ideas for stories to cover.
Learn how to write news under the guidance of your supervisor
This Journalism Internship is a chance to learn from top reporters in a professional setting. Don’t miss this opportunity to hone your skills under the guidance of your supervisor. They’ll help you brainstorm ideas, conduct research, and write solid copy that is of publishable quality.
While you’ll enjoy plenty of independence as you act alone to collect the information you need, don’t neglect the help of those around you. You’ll be part of a production team, sharing an office with experienced journalists. Use their knowledge and contacts to uncover the best stories in Accra.
You could end up writing features, news reports, or interviews. Follow the path that most interests you and use your supervisor to help you master your craft.
Edit and proofread stories before sending the final draft to publication
Research and writing are important aspects of news reporting, but it’s the edit where great stories are made. This Journalism Internship in Ghana involves publishing your work, so you need to proofread carefully.
You should feel confident editing your own work, but don’t be afraid to ask for help. Your colleagues are there to help. Furthermore, your work will be edited by the Senior News Editor before publication. Together, you’ll create pieces to be proud of, ready to record on radio or print in a magazine.
Publish finalized news stories or report on current news and events
There’s no better feeling for a journalist than seeing your byline in print or hearing your radio report broadcast to the masses. Throughout your internship, you’ll contribute to media outlets with a large number of readers or listeners. This is fantastic motivation and also gives you impressive pieces to add to your portfolio.
We can also arrange for you to lead weekly creative writing courses for young people in Ghana. Your leadership can help them express their emotions and could even ignite a lifelong passion for writing and journalism.
Where will I work in Ghana?
Accra
Situated in West Africa, across the Accra plains, is the beautiful capital city of Accra. It is a city brimming with people and colourful happenings around town. You’ll find the streets flooded with restaurants selling Ghanaian and western food, and vendors setting up markets to promote their handmade crafts.
Your journalism placement in Ghana will be based in this city, and you will find that there are plenty of stories are floating around. Your internship will be nothing short of newsworthy, and you’ll work at some of the most popular newspapers or radio stations in Ghana.
A typical day on the Journalism Internship in Ghana
You will start your day with a filling breakfast at your host family. Get dressed in carefully selected clothing that covers your knees and shoulders, before heading out for the day. You’ll then jump into a tro tro or a shared taxi with the other interns and tell the driver where to go.
A day at a print publication
A typical day at a print publication will start at 9am and end at 5pm. You’ll work closely with qualified journalists and learn from them as you find your way around.
Everyday will be different. You may spend time brainstorming possible stories, writing and editing, or learning about the production process. You’ll also attend events and conduct interviews for future stories. You’ll cover stories such as:
- Press conferences
- Parliamentary visits
- Law reports
- Sport
- Show business events
A day at a radio station
Your day will begin at 8am at the radio station and end around 5pm. However, the life of a reporter depends on the news and working hours can vary. You will work with various editors throughout the radio station, as each one will be cover different topics.
Daily work will depend greatly on the events of the day. You may end up researching, editing, and compiling stories for future radio broadcasts. Or, you’ll have the opportunity to attend and cover press events, conduct interviews, and report on stories as they happen.
There is plenty of free time for you to explore more of the beautiful Ghanaian countryside. Grab a few of the other interns and visit the museums, taste local food at the street markets, or hike through one of the lush national parks.
What are the aims and impact of this internship?
The main aim of this internship is to give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge about journalism. You’ll do this while gaining practical experience and getting a deeper insight into media in a developing country.
Within Ghana, there is a high level of freedom of speech. Many private publications, radio stations, and broadcasters are able to distribute media without significant restrictions. The media are lively and cover a diverse range of topics. Most locals follow these media platforms, although television is becoming increasingly popular, with radio coming in second.
We aim to empower young people from Ghana and encourage them to develop their skills in journalism. As an intern, you’ll teach creative writing workshops that give local writers a chance to express their opinions on various topics. You’ll also get the chance to share your knowledge with young aspiring journalists.
Join our Journalism internship in Ghana and gain practical skills in the field of print or radio.
Measuring our impact
Our projects work towards clear long-term goals, with specific annual objectives. Every volunteer and intern we send to these projects helps us work towards these goals, no matter how long they spend on our projects.
Every year we take a step back and look at how much progress we've made towards these goals. We put together a Global Impact Report, which documents our achievements. Find out more about the impact our global community of volunteers, interns and staff make, and read the latest report.
Food and accommodation
You'll stay with a host family in Ghana. They will welcome you into their home, eager to share their customs and have you teach them about your own culture. We believe that this is the best way to immerse yourself in the culture of Ghana and have a truly unique experience.
We will always try to let you live alongside at least one other Projects Abroad volunteer or intern at the same host family. Your room will be modest, but comfortable, clean, and safe.
Your program fee includes three meals a day.
Find out more about our accommodation.
Leisure activities and free time
Volunteering in Ghana is an ideal way to explore this colourful West African country. There’s a huge variety of different activities to do while you’re there, giving you plenty of exciting ways to spend your free time.
Music is a central part of Ghanaian culture. In the bigger towns, especially Accra, you will hear some great live bands and have some memorable nights out. Evenings spent at buzzing restaurants will also give you a taste of some of the delicious local cuisine.
For a look into Ghana’s history, you can tour the slave forts of Cape Coast and visit museums. Nature lovers will relish trekking through the rainforests of Kakum National Park or Mole National Park.
We run a wide range of projects in Ghana so there’s sure to be other volunteers there during your trip. This means you can explore the country solo or connect with other volunteers and travel as a group.
Safety and staff support
Your safety and security is our prime concern. We have many procedures and systems to ensure you have the support you need to enjoy your trip with peace of mind. Our Projects Abroad staff are available 24 hours a day to help, and will be on hand to make sure you settle in well at your accommodation and placement. If you encounter any problems, they will be available to help at any time.
Find out more about safety and backup.
This placement is fully researched, safety audited, and risk assessed in accordance with the British Standard BS8848 for the Adventure Travel Sector.
Meet the team in Ghana
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