The Greenlee School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Iowa State University has awarded funding to Richard Mensah Adonu, a distinguished journalist from Ghana, recognizing his outstanding achievements in fact-checking and investigative journalism.
The award includes both a graduate teaching and research assistantship, marking a significant milestone in Adonu’s academic journey.
Adonu, who graduated with First Class Honours from the Ghana Institute of Journalism, ranking among the top 11 students in a class of 325, brings extensive experience in combating misinformation and advancing digital journalism in West Africa.
“Coming to Iowa State represents an opportunity to expand my impact in journalism, particularly in addressing the challenges of misinformation in the digital age,” said Adonu, who previously served as a Reporter and Fact-Checker at the Media Foundation for West Africa. “The support from the Greenlee School will allow me to build on my experience while exploring new frontiers in journalism education and practice.”
During his time in Ghana, Adonu’s fact-checking work gained significant attention, particularly his investigation into COVID-19 misinformation that reached over 50,000 viewers. His article debunking false claims about Ghana’s COVID-19 management was cited by three major news outlets, demonstrating his commitment to accurate public health communication.
“What drew us to Richard’s application was not just his academic excellence, but his proven track record in implementing innovative journalism practices in challenging environments,” said Dr. Michael F. Dahlstrom, Director of the Greenlee School. “His experience in fact-checking and digital verification brings a valuable perspective to our program.”
As a Graduate Teaching Assistant, Adonu will work with Professor Erin Wilgenbusch on JLMC101, contributing to the education of future journalists while pursuing his own research on AI integration in journalism. His research assistantship will focus on groundbreaking projects examining the intersection of technology and journalism practice.
“My work in Ghana showed me how critical it is to bridge the digital divide in journalism,” Adonu explained. “At Iowa State, I plan to develop solutions that can help newsrooms, especially in rural and resource-constrained areas, effectively combat misinformation and adapt to technological changes.”
Prior to joining Iowa State, Adonu’s achievements included multiple published investigations on government accountability and social issues. His story on abandoned educational facilities in Ghana highlighted his commitment to investigative journalism that drives social change. He also led training workshops for young journalists, sharing his expertise in fact-checking and digital verification techniques.
“The challenges facing journalism today are global,” Adonu noted. “My experience in Ghana, dealing with limited resources and complex verification challenges, has prepared me to develop practical solutions that can work in various contexts. I’m excited to bring this perspective to Iowa State and learn from the excellent faculty and resources at the Greenlee School.”
The funding package, which includes tuition coverage and a stipend, will support Adonu’s research focusing on how journalism education is adapting to prepare future reporters for an AI-driven media landscape. His work will particularly examine the unique challenges and opportunities for implementing AI tools in resource-constrained newsroom environments.
The Greenlee School’s investment in international talent like Adonu reflects its commitment to fostering diverse perspectives in journalism education and research. As journalism continues to evolve in the digital age, such cross-cultural exchanges become increasingly valuable for developing comprehensive solutions to global challenges in the field.
