The West African Journalists for Environment, Science, Health and Agriculture (WAJESHA) has launched its official website, creating a new platform for journalists and media professionals covering some of the region’s most critical development issues.
The website, www.wajesha.org, will provide a space for members to share reports, access resources, connect with experts and promote journalism focused on environmental protection, climate change, science, public health and agriculture.
WAJESHA is a non-profit journalism project of the Centre for Climate Change & Food Security (CCCFS), headquartered in Ghana. It was established to support journalists reporting on issues that directly affect communities, economies and public policy decisions across West Africa.
The organisation currently has close to 200 members across West Africa, bringing together journalists, media professionals, communicators, scientists, and researchers committed to improving coverage of environment, science, health and agricultural issues.
Speaking on the launch, the Director of WAJESHA, Engr Mahmud Mohammed-Nurudeen, said the platform was created to strengthen specialised journalism at a time when the region faces growing challenges linked to climate change, food insecurity, environmental degradation and public health threats.
“Many of the challenges facing West Africa are complex and interconnected. They require journalism that goes beyond reporting events to explaining the causes, consequences and possible solutions,” he said.
Engr Mohammed-Nurudeen said WAJESHA would support journalists with opportunities for collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional development.
“Our focus is to build a network where journalists can access information, engage experts and produce stories that help communities understand issues affecting their lives,” he added.
The launch of the website marks an expansion of WAJESHA’s work in promoting cross-border collaboration among journalists in the region. The organisation said the platform would also highlight investigations, features and reports produced by members.
The Editor-in-Chief of WAJESHA, Aminu Adamu Ahmed, said the website would help improve the quality of reporting on specialised subjects that often require technical understanding.
“Reporting on environment, science, health and agriculture requires accuracy, context and careful interpretation of information. Journalists need access to the right knowledge and networks to tell these stories effectively,” he said.
Mr Ahmed said the organisation would continue to encourage journalists to produce evidence-based reports that reflect the realities of communities across West Africa.
“Our responsibility is to support journalism that informs the public, encourages accountability and contributes to conversations about solutions,” he added.
WAJESHA covers areas including climate change, biodiversity conservation, pollution, environmental health, food systems, agricultural development and scientific innovation.
The organisation is inviting journalists, editors, researchers, science communicators and media professionals who share its vision to register as members and become part of the growing regional network.
Engr Mohammed-Nurudeen urged non-members interested in specialised journalism to join WAJESHA and contribute to strengthening reporting across West Africa.
«“We welcome journalists and professionals who want to improve reporting on these important issues to become members of WAJESHA. Together, we can build a stronger platform for journalism that serves our communities,” he said.»
Membership registration is available through the organisation’s website: www.wajesha.org.
WAJESHA said the launch of the website represents an important milestone in its effort to connect journalists and promote better reporting on issues shaping the future of West Africa.