The Media Foundation for West Africa (MfWA) has commenced its crucial “Two-Day Training for Journalists on Countering Mis/Disinformation and Propaganda Narratives” in preparation for the upcoming 2024 Elections in Ghana.
The event, which saw a successful first day, aimed to equip journalists with the necessary tools and knowledge to combat the spread of misinformation, disinformation and propaganda ahead of the elections.
The first day of the training was conducted in two sections, with the morning session led by renowned Ghanaian lecturer Stephen Tindi from the Ghana Institute of Journalism.
Mr. Tindi delved into the intricate nuances of understanding mis/disinformation, information disorder, and propaganda narratives. He highlighted the detrimental impact of misinformation on various societal aspects, including peace elections and democratic governance.
Mr. Tindi further cautioned journalists about the fault lines that often fuel mis/disinformation, such as ethnic tensions, unhealthy political competition, religious conflicts, electoral violence, and violent extremism.
The second section of the day featured an interactive and practical session led by experienced fact-checker Kwaku Krobea Asante, Fact-check Lead at MFWA.
Mr. Asante provided valuable insights into understanding fact-checking methodologies and working with fact-checking tools.
The session culminated in an engaging group presentation, allowing participants to apply their newly acquired skills in real-time scenarios.
Adiza Moro Maiga, Programme Officer at MFWA, emphasized the importance of active participation and practical application of the training, urging journalists to become agents of change rather than mere attendees.
“Journalists play a pivotal role in shaping public discourse and maintaining the integrity of information. This training is not just about attendance; it’s about empowering journalists to actively combat misinformation and uphold journalistic ethics. We urge participants to embrace their role as agents of truth and change as we approach the crucial 2024 elections in Ghana,” she stated.
Looking ahead, day two of the training, scheduled for Friday, February 23, 2024, promises to further enhance journalists’ knowledge on mis/disinformation.
The focus will be on equipping participants with the relevant tools and skills for analyzing content and producing fact-check reports to counter mis/disinformation and polarizing narratives leading up to the 2024 elections in Ghana.
The MfWA’s initiative underscores the critical role of journalists in safeguarding the integrity of information and promoting transparency in the electoral process, ultimately contributing to a fair and democratic election environment in Ghana.