(up to 50,000 cedis = 5 Euros). Organisers of such conferences are aware that journalists might not cover the event if such allowances are not paid. GJA has tried in vain to convince media owners to cover transport costs for their staff. SCORES: Individual scores: 2, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1, 2 Average score: 1.2 4.9 Training facilities offer formal qualification programmes for journalists as well as opportunities to upgrade their skills. ANALYSIS: Training facilities offering formal qualification programmes include the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), the School of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, the National Film and Television Institute (NAFTI), the Institute of Management Studies (IMS). The GIJ offers both diploma and degree courses. A diploma can be obtained after two years whilst the degree course runs for three years for A Level holders and four years for Senior Secondary School Certificate holders. The Graphic Group provides in-house “skills based training” for all levels of staff, including special technical training for all engineering staff. Reporters in the Editorial Department are trained in report writing and language skills whilst sectional heads receive training in attitudinal improvement techniques. Journalists responsible for caption writing also receive specialised training. The GBC also organises a number of in-house training sessions for all Division and Regional offices with local and foreign trainers. One challenge with training courses offered is reaching the intended target group. Often senior staff do not attend such courses tailored especially for them due to their work load and the need to meet deadlines. Instead junior staff members are sent who can not appreciate the training offered and are not able to apply the skills gained effectively. This state of affairs seems to be an “Accra phenomenon” as courses in the regions usually receive a better target response, perhaps due to the fact that journalists in the regions are not as privileged in 28