Editorial Standards

Fifty4 News reports news from all 54 African countries. This page explains how we research, write, check and correct our stories, so readers know what to expect from us and how to hold us to it.

Accuracy and sourcing

  • We base every story on verifiable sources: official statements and documents, data from public institutions, and reporting by established news organisations.
  • We name and link our sources wherever we can, so readers can check the original.
  • Where facts are disputed or still developing, we say so plainly and update the story as information changes.
  • Figures, dates, names and titles are checked against at least one primary or authoritative source before publication.

Quotes and interviews

  • Every quote we publish comes from a real, identifiable person or organisation.
  • When a quote first appeared in another outlet, in an official statement, at a press briefing or on a verified social media account, we say where it came from and link to it.
  • When someone speaks to Fifty4 News directly, we identify them by name and role, unless there is a clear safety reason to withhold a name. In that case we explain why and describe the person’s connection to the story.
  • We never invent, embellish or composite quotes, sources or people.

How our stories are produced

Fifty4 News is a small newsroom. We use AI tools to help with research and first drafts. Every story is then reviewed and edited by a human editor, who checks it against the sources before it is scheduled or published. AI tools never decide what we publish, and we do not publish unreviewed machine-generated text.

Fairness and balance

  • On contested issues, such as elections, territorial disputes and conflicts, we present the main positions of each side in their own terms.
  • We keep news and opinion separate. Analysis and explainers are clearly labelled as such.
  • People and organisations criticised in a story are given the chance to respond where practical, and their published responses are included.

Photos

We use photos that are openly licensed (Creative Commons Attribution, Attribution-ShareAlike, CC0 or public domain) or that we have permission to use. Every photo is credited to its creator with its licence. When a photo shows a similar place or scene rather than the event itself, the caption says it is a file or illustrative photo.

Health and safety reporting

When we report on outbreaks, disasters and other emergencies, we rely on public health authorities and official agencies, link to their guidance, and avoid speculation about case numbers or causes that has not been confirmed.

Corrections

If we get something wrong, we correct it promptly and openly. Corrections are added as a dated note at the end of the article, explaining what was changed. Minor fixes to spelling or formatting are made without a note. To report an error, email [email protected] with the article link and the correction, or use our contact page.

Independence and advertising

Fifty4 News is published by Fifty4 Media in Accra, Ghana, and is funded by advertising. Advertisers have no influence over what we cover or how we cover it. Any sponsored or partner content will be clearly labelled as such.

Contact

Story tips, corrections and questions about these standards are welcome at [email protected]. You can read more about us on our About page.