A two-day capacity-building programme aimed at strengthening information integrity in Ghana has ended, with 45 broadcast journalists trained in countering mis/disinformation, responsible reporting, and digital safety.
The workshop was organised by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) in partnership with ECOWAS and GIZ, with support from the Government of Germany under the MFWA–ECOWAS 2023 Memorandum of Understanding. It forms part of a regional initiative already held in The Gambia and Sierra Leone, with upcoming editions scheduled for Benin and Togo.
Opening the programme, ECOWAS Resident Representative in Ghana, H.E. Ambassador Mohammed Lawan Gana, emphasised the media’s critical role in promoting peace, democracy, and regional cohesion in line with ECOWAS Vision 2050. He noted that journalists are “not only informers of the public but also actors in shaping governance and security outcomes.”
The training focused on equipping journalists to address growing threats of misinformation, polarisation, and anti-democratic narratives. Sessions included strategies for investigating human rights violations, countering propaganda, and managing conflict-sensitive reporting. Facilitators also engaged participants in discussions on peace journalism, collaboration with regional institutions, and the responsibility of the press in fostering informed and resilient societies.
A major component of the programme was mastering fact-checking and open-source intelligence (OSINT) tools, along with enhancing digital security to safeguard both information and journalistic work. Participants took part in practical exercises and simulations to apply these tools to real-world challenges.
Media and information literacy (MIL) was also highlighted, with calls for journalists to serve as educators who help citizens navigate misinformation and protect democratic values.
The programme concluded with a call for stronger cooperation between the media, ECOWAS, member states, and civil society to combat disinformation and rebuild public trust. Certificates were awarded to participants at the closing ceremony.
Organisers said the initiative is part of a broader effort to consolidate responsible journalism and strengthen governance across West Africa by empowering media professionals with the knowledge and tools to address evolving information threats.
