The United Nations Development Programme(UNDP) in collaboration with the Media Foundation For West Africa (MFWA) with funding support from the Norwegian Embassy has organized a three-day workshop to train journalists in Conflict-sensitive reporting in the Northern Regional capital, Tamale.
The training which saw about forty-eight(48) media persons from the Upper East, Upper West, Northern Region, North East, and Savannah regions benefit began on the 27th of May and ended on the 29th of May.
Speaking at the event’s opening, a representative from the National Peace Council, Alhaji Saani Razack, urged journalists to be measured in their reportage as the country inches towards the 2024 general elections.
“As we go into the election, this responsibility rests on you and me to do what is expected so that at the end of the day we will come out thrilled,” he said.
He noted that “the 2024 elections is extraordinary and you all know why it is extraordinary and so we need extraordinary measures and this is one of the measures and I think it is commendable to ensure that those of us who are going to be part of the processes do what is expected of us”.
He charged media practitioners to be disciplined, exercise discretion, and be prudent in reporting, especially during the 2024 election.
The Programme Director of MFWA, Dr. Kojo Impraim encouraged journalists to play their role well in helping to counter violence.
“We must play as journalists to help build resilience in the community and help to counter the emerging threats, “he said.
Meanwhile, the Peace and Governance analyst at UNDP, Melody Azinim highlighted the importance of training journalists on the need for fact-based conflict-sensitive reporting.
“For us, the whole idea of really engaging journalists is to ensure that we are also able to provide the needed support when it comes to ensuring that the reporting or the stories that go out are contributing to, are contributing to development”
The three-day program saw journalists trained in fact-checking, identifying hate speech, misinformation, disinformation, and malformation, and how to report responsibly to promote peace in our communities.
