Tamale: ActionAid Ghana, a non-governmental organization, has successfully conducted a Media Press Corps Liaison Meeting and Digital Advocacy Training in Tamale. The initiative aims to foster collaboration with journalists and enhance rights-based reporting alongside digital advocacy efforts.
According to Ghana News Agency, the training assembled representatives from numerous media outlets to refine their skills in strategic storytelling, ethical narrative framing, and digital advocacy. This approach is intended to amplify discussions surrounding social justice and gender equality. The event is part of ActionAid Ghana's broader strategy to engage more deeply with the media and other stakeholders, influencing policies, shaping public discourse, and promoting accountability in governance.
Madam Beatrice Yanman Biije, the Northern Regional Programme Manager of ActionAid Ghana, emphasized the media's crucial role in advancing advocacy for social justice, climate resilience, and women's empowerment. In today's rapidly changing digital and media landscapes, journalists must be adept at reporting responsibly while effectively using digital platforms to elevate the voices of marginalized communities.
The engagement also sought to strengthen partnerships between media outlets and civil society organizations to support rights-based development initiatives. Madam Biije outlined key program priorities for 2026 under the Green Economy Resilient Livelihoods agenda. These include supporting four communities, particularly mothers of sponsored children, with small ruminant farming initiatives aimed at improving household income and bolstering climate-resilient livelihoods.
Madam Biije also revealed plans to collaborate with the Savannah Women Movement to provide training in small ruminant rearing, business management, and financial literacy to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives. Additionally, ActionAid Ghana intends to establish Village Savings and Loans Associations in five communities to foster financial inclusion and economic empowerment among women.
The organization is committed to commemorating key global events such as International Rural Women's Day, World Water Day, and International Women's Day to underscore the contributions and achievements of women in community development. In terms of women's rights and decent work, ActionAid Ghana will participate in the annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign to advocate for positive masculinity and the eradication of violence against women and girls.
Other planned interventions include advocacy against alleged witchcraft accusations and support for reintegration committees working to restore the dignity and rights of affected women. Youth-led initiatives focusing on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights will also receive backing to promote awareness and responsible decision-making among young people.
Furthermore, ActionAid Ghana plans to collaborate with the Department of Children and the Narcotics Control Commission to conduct school outreach programs that educate pupils on the dangers of substance and drug abuse. Insights gained from sanitary pad tracking exercises will inform engagements with the Ghana Education Service and local assemblies during Menstrual Hygiene Day commemorations.
Madam Biije highlighted the organization's intent to intensify advocacy for zero tolerance against substance abuse among youth in Yendi and its neighboring communities. Participants in the training expressed gratitude to ActionAid Ghana, recognizing the initiative as timely in reinforcing responsible journalism and advocacy for inclusive development.