Accra, Ghana – The Executive Director of the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA), Paul Frimpong, has called for greater African ownership of discussions surrounding China-Africa relations, arguing that Africans must be at the forefront of shaping narratives and policies that affect the continent’s future.
Speaking at the launch of ACCPA Media Fellowship Programme in Accra, Mr. Frimpong said the initiative was designed to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools needed to critically examine and accurately report on Ghana’s engagement with China.
According to him, China remains Africa’s largest trading partner and one of the continent’s leading investors, making it imperative for journalists and the public to have a deeper understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with the relationship.
“China’s footprint can be seen across multiple sectors in almost every African country,” Mr. Frimpong said. “As a policy think tank, we believe it is important to facilitate discussions that help African countries shape the right policies in their engagement with China.”
He described the media as a crucial partner in that mission, noting that journalists play a key role in informing citizens about government partnerships while also holding policymakers accountable through critical and evidence-based reporting.
The 12-week fellowship will bring together 15 journalists from television, radio, online and local-language media platforms. Participants will receive training on issues including Africa-China history, trade and investment relations, geopolitics, the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), the Belt and Road Initiative, youth engagement and digital media collaboration.
Mr. Frimpong noted that the fellowship stands out because it is led by an African institution and reflects African priorities.
“For a long time, most media fellowships on Africa-China relations have been driven by institutions outside Africa,” he said. “This programme is different because it is designed by Africans, for Africans, with a focus on advancing our interests and development aspirations.”
Beyond the training programme, ACCPA aims to build a network of journalists who can contribute to informed public discourse on China-Africa relations and participate in future collaborations with partners across Africa and other regions.
Mr. Frimpong expressed confidence that the fellowship would help strengthen media coverage of Ghana-China relations and promote more nuanced conversations about one of Africa’s most significant international partnerships.
“We want to build a community of media professionals who understand what our countries are doing with China, who can ask the right questions and help shape public understanding of these engagements,” he said.
Source: www.climatewatchonline.com
