The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) concluded a successful three-day capacity-building workshop for journalists in Bolgatanga on September 12.
The training, designed to enhance journalistic skills and ensure quality reporting, comes as the country enters a crucial election period. The workshop focused on equipping journalists with the tools needed to handle the complexities of election coverage.
Speaking to the media, Nana Kwasi Gyan-Apenteng, a media expert and one of the facilitators, commended the interactive nature of the sessions and the high level of engagement from participants.
“I’ve been very happy with the way it has gone, on two fronts. First, the quality of participation—everybody has contributed. It has been very interactive. It hasn’t been a one-way classroom lecture kind of workshop. This has been a seminar-type discussion in which we have learned from each other. I must say I have learned a lot from this as well. The other front is the subjects and the preparation for it. They’ve all been top-class. This has been one of the best, and I hope that, going away from here, we will all make good use of what we’ve learned, discussed, and that the output of our work will reflect the fact that we have engaged in this kind of rigorous but, for me, enjoyable exercise.”
He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and adaptation, especially as journalists play a pivotal role in shaping public opinion and providing accurate information during elections. “We believe it is important for journalists to refresh their knowledge from time to time, but it is particularly crucial as we enter the election period. In fact, we are already in the election period, and we know the critical role journalists play—not only in conveying the messages from politicians but also in shaping opinions and enabling citizens to make informed choices, which is the whole point of the election.”
Nana Gyan-Apenteng also commended the local media for its accuracy and responsible reporting. He encouraged journalists to delve deeper into feature stories and documentaries to expand their coverage, underscoring the role of the media as the eyes and ears of the region, and highlighted the need for sensitive and thorough reporting on local issues, including chieftaincy disputes. “I must say the media here is doing very well. So far, the reports that I’m privileged to see, whether in the national or local media, have not shown any inaccuracies or controversies arising from poor reporting.” He added, “What we’d like to see more of is features and documentaries, going more in-depth and expanding the mandate, because you are here and, as I’ve said, you are the eyes and ears of the world here.”
“It means that we have to rely on you to provide quality reporting, to be sensitive to the issues, and to ensure that not only do people get the right information but also that the security of this region is protected,” Nana Gyan-Apenteng said.
The three-day workshop is part of activities approved under the MFWA’s project titled Promoting Fact-based and Critical Reporting in Ghana’s Electioneering Processes Through Public Interest Accountability Journalism. This project is being implemented with funding support from DW Akademie.
Source: a1radioonline.com | 101.1MHZ | Gifty Eyram Kudiabor | Bolgatanga
