Takoradi: The first in a series of training workshops designed to enhance the skills of journalists, media practitioners, and bloggers in digital content creation and mini-video blogging on free movement and migration in West Africa has concluded in Takoradi, Western Region. The event assembled up to one hundred participants from the print, electronic, and social media sectors across the Western and Western North Regions.
According to Ghana News Agency, a statement issued by Deborah Enam, Communication Officer of Media Response, emphasized the workshop's goal to promote accurate, balanced, and development-focused reporting on migration and free movement within the ECOWAS region. The workshop, themed 'Reframing Narratives on Free Movement and Migration in West Africa,' aimed to reshape the often negative portrayal of migration stories.
During the opening session, Mr. Desmond Cudjoe, Western Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), delivered the welcome address. He highlighted that migration stories across West Africa are frequently framed around fear and crisis, often involving harmful narratives like trafficking, particularly of women. He encouraged participants to transcend stereotypes and focus on evidence, context, and human experiences in their stories.
Mr. Samuel Dodoo, Project Manager and Executive Director of Media Response, provided a project brief, noting that the initiative would span the Western, Volta, and Upper East regions. The project includes training workshops, a mini-video blogging competition from April to June, and community radio discussions on free movement and migration in Elubo, Aflao, and Paga.
The technical sessions offered participants insights into Free Movement and Migration Trends in West Africa, Ethical Journalism, and Migration Reporting. Practical sessions equipped them with skills in using mobile journalism tools, applying composition techniques, and adhering to ethical journalism principles.
Participants engaged in breakout sessions, forming ten groups to create mini-videos on free movement and migration. The groups successfully showcased their newfound knowledge, producing engaging mini-videos admired by all participants.
In closing, Mr. Dodoo expressed gratitude to the funding organizations supporting the program, including the ECOWAS Commission, European Union, FMM West Africa, and others. He also acknowledged the project steering committee members from various Ghanaian organizations.
Participants appreciated the training, noting an enhanced understanding of free movement topics and improved digital storytelling skills. The next workshop is scheduled to take place in Ho, Volta Region, for journalists, media practitioners, and bloggers.