Renowned investigative journalist, Aminu Adamu Ahmed, has urged journalists across West Africa to deploy their skills in defense of nature and in holding those in power accountable. He made this call during a session he facilitated as part of the ongoing GJESHA-TNJ Biodiversity Training Series, organized by Ghana Journalists for Environment, Science, Health & Agriculture (GJESHA) in collaboration with The North Journal (TNJ).
The session, titled “Digging Deeper: Investigative Techniques for Biodiversity Journalism,” was part of the second week of the capacity-building program designed to strengthen biodiversity reporting across the continent. It served as a refresher course on investigative journalism and how its tools and techniques can be applied to biodiversity-related stories.
Mr. Aminu emphasized that biodiversity journalism can expose ecological crimes, protect fragile ecosystems, and promote environmental accountability. He reminded fellows of their essential role as watchdogs of society.
> “You are expected to give voice to affected communities in ways that can influence policy change,” he said.
West Africa is one of the most biodiverse regions in the world, yet it is experiencing alarming rates of biodiversity loss. Mr. Aminu attributed this decline to factors such as poor awareness, weak enforcement of existing laws, and low levels of advocacy.
> “Look around you — forests are disappearing, rivers are drying up, and certain animals are no longer seen. These are the direct consequences of biodiversity loss,” he noted.
Explaining the importance of biodiversity, Mr. Aminu pointed out its link to clean air, fertile soil, climate stability, and food security. He also highlighted key issues worth investigating, including illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and mismanagement of conservation funds.
The session also featured practical guidance on developing investigative angles, including how to frame strong questions and hypotheses to guide interviews, document analysis, and photographic evidence collection. Fellows were introduced to essential source-building techniques and tools for conducting in-depth secondary research.
Mr. Aminu concluded with a focus on ethical journalism, stressing the importance of personal safety and the protection of sources.
As the training progresses, fellows are expected to apply these insights in their reporting, igniting hope for improved and impactful biodiversity journalism across West Africa.