AFPC-USA Names Benjamin Tetteh a 2023 Professional Excellence Awardee

Benjamin Tetteh is an award-winning Ghanaian journalist and researcher with over fifteen years of experience in broadcast, print and online journalism. He held various positions in the newsroom including reporter and producer, host of the morning show and managing editor and his journalism career took him to newsrooms across Ghana, Senegal and here in the U.S.

Over the years, Benjamin carved a strong reputation for in-depth investigative journalism, and he played a pivotal role as a board member of Africa’s first investigative journalism body, the Forum for African Investigative Reporting (FAIR). He has produced award-winning broadcast documentaries and features covering mining pollution, climate change, children’s rights protection, and the U.N. sustainable development goals. Benjamin has worked with Radio Ada and Joy FM (Ghana), West Africa Democracy Radio (Senegal) and has contributed news and special reports to various international media including the BBC and UN News.

He also served as consultant for governmental and international humanitarian organizations, including U.N. agencies. Presently, Benjamin is concluding his PhD studies at the Newhouse School of Public Communications, Syracuse University, New York, where his research dives into the fascinating world of media economy, communication law, ethics, international communication, and critical media.  He holds a degree in psychology from the University of Ghana and a master's in journalism (Digital Innovation) from New York University. Benjamin is a firm believer in the power of a free press, social justice, and the public service role of the media.  

Benjamin Tetteh

The following interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

What was the primary reason you chose to pursue a career in the United States as a foreign journalist?

I first came to graduate school in the U.S. (New York University) and while here I found avenues to further what I love doing most – journalism.

You were recently awarded by the Association of Foreign Press Correspondents in the United States (AFPC-USA). How did you feel about this recognition?

For me this is a very humbling but also very fulfilling achievement. I am particularly excited about the work that got me this award which sheds light on minority and social issues, and to see it win this award is ample testament of the power we have as journalists to effect change in society by shedding light on issues of oppression, marginalization and the great social divides.

As a journalist, how do you expect the support from AFPC-USA to help you advance your career?

I have always done my work fearlessly as a journalist and I take the strong independence I have very seriously. This recognition goes to further my passion in pursuing truth fearlessly while hoping that each story I pay attention to will bring some hope, relief and make a difference in someone’s life. And if it leads to closing the gap between the haves and the have-nots, that is a plus.

Why do you think the work of AFPC-USA is important and what are your thoughts on its impact on the journalism field at large?

From my African background, I am a firm believer in team spirit and cooperation, and that is where I am a strong supporter of the work of AFPC-USA. The association has made a lot of difference already through its advocacy and in championing the welfare of foreign journalists and graduate journalism majors in the U.S. Its scholarship awards have impacted the lives of many already and its various events have huge following in person and online, and all that speaks to the difference this association is making.

What made you decide to become a journalist? How do you hope to make an impact in the journalism field of your country of origin?

My journalism career started off as a service to my community when I decided to volunteer for the community radio which broadcasts in my language. That soon became a passion and has since grown into a desire to use the broadcast media as a tool for change and development. I have since produced award-winning radio documentaries and features on topics ranging from climate change, girl child education, mining, oil, and gas to environmental pollution. And each story means a lot to me because of the passion and attention I put into making them.

What is the state of press freedom in your country of origin and how do you hope that your work will encourage more people to access independent and credible information?

Over the past three decades, Ghana has been a model of democracy and press freedom not only on the continent but abroad with the country rated among the top 20 on the Global Press Freedom Index – ahead of the U.S. and the U.K. But over the past three years, its top rating dropped drastically due to a mix of political, security and legal threats facing Ghanaian journalists. This has been the research in my PhD studies for the past year and I am looking forward to a publication on it.

What do you think is the greatest threat to journalism today?

I would have said economic threats due to unreliable revenues (especially from advertising), but I would rather focus on the consolidation (conglomeration) of media. I am a firm believer in the public interest role of the media. Sadly, commercial interests are taking over with big tech companies and billionaires buying media houses left and right all in the interest of profits. That is a great threat to the independence of the media which also impacts where the media is not only concentrated (in big towns and cities) but also on what it focuses its attention on. To me, that is the greatest threat facing our industry today.