Tamale: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supported by funding from the Foreign Commonwealth Development Office, organized a capacity-building workshop aimed at enhancing the skills of journalists and bloggers in fact-checking and conflict-sensitive reporting. The two-day event aimed to promote peace through responsible media practices and included participation from religious leaders in northern Ghana.
According to Ghana News Agency, the workshop was praised by Mr. George Sarpong, Executive Secretary of the National Media Commission, who emphasized that empowering journalists, religious leaders, and community influencers was not merely a technical endeavor but a moral mission. He highlighted the importance of equipping those who shape public consciousness with the wisdom to use their voices for peace, resist manipulation, and defend the truth.
Mr. Sarpong urged participants to uphold ethical standards in their work, noting, “Religious wisdom calls us to verify before we amplify, to humanize before we headline, and to speak to conscience before we speak of conviction.” He further remarked, “Violent extremism doesn’t begin with a weapon; it begins with a word. We want microphones that heal, pulpits that unite, and social media that feeds.”
Mr. Albert Futukpor, Northern Regional Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association, cautioned journalists against speculation and sensationalism. He advised, “Practice humility when you do not know, and when verified information is lacking, explain that clearly to your audience rather than filling the gaps with speculation.” He encouraged journalists to enhance their verification skills, integrate conflict-sensitive principles, and use a newsroom checklist before publication, emphasizing that journalism should protect life, strengthen democracy, and foster reconciliation.
Madam Melody Azinim, a Peace and Governance Analyst at UNDP Ghana, urged participants to incorporate the lessons learned from the training into their daily work to maintain Ghana’s peaceful image. She remarked that Ghana is a peaceful country and that efforts should be made to restore and improve its reputation.