Ghanaian Journalists Work Undercover to Unfold Information

Jakarta, InfoPublik – Working undercover has become an effective way to uncover various in-depth information for the benefit of journalism in Ghana.

Ghanaian investigation journalist Anas Aremeyaw explained that most people in Ghana are very private, hampering journalists from gaining information for stories to be published in media. Therefore, working undercover or wearing disguises become a powerful way to make Ghanaian more open.

“Privacy, for the people of Ghana, is very important, hence journalists are difficult to obtain information,”  he said at a discussion session in the World Press Freedom Day 2017 in Jakarta on Thursday (5/4).

After deciding to use disguises in acquiring information, he continued, he found his products of journalism more profounding. In fact, any information that he desires can be obtained easily from informant.

“If journalists work conventionally or  do not work undercover and use disguises, no story will be told,” he continued.

Furthermore he suggested that when dealing with public interests, it is appropriate to disguise for the sake of providing correct information to the wider community affected by the acts of irregularities.

“If it’s not for the public interest, we will not in disguise,” he added.

He also shared a story about his disguise as a mental hospital patient in order to uncover information about the irregularities in the hospital. His totality in gaining information made every stories or news he wrote become a reference for Ghana’s enforcement institution to follow up.

For information, the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) 2017 is held from 1 -  4 May 2017 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC). The event was attended by national and international journalists and media leaders. (Translator: Rina Alexandra)