Newton Ahmed Barry is a distinguished journalist, specialising in the investigation of political, economic and human rights issues.

He has received several anti-corruption awards:

• REN-Lac prize: 2005 and 2001
• Excellence in Journalism Award: (GALIAN) 2005 and 2001
• International Excellence Award
• Nathalie Lorenzo Prize (European Union Nominee 2004)

He was decorated Commander of the National Order of Burkina Faso.

Newton Ahmed Barry was president of the CENI of Burkina Faso from 2016 to 2021.

He is a member of several human rights defence organisations:

• Inter-African Union for Human Rights (UIDH). Newton Ahmed Barry advised President Halidou Ouédraogo for three years (1998-2001).
• Collective against impunity and stigmatisation of Communities
• Tabital Pulaku Burkina Faso