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Northern Ghana Environment and Extractive Journalists Network launched to address environmental challenges

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In a bid to combat environmental degradation, climate change, and the challenges posed by illegal mining in Northern Ghana, the Northern Ghana Environment and Extractive Journalists Network (EEJNet) has been officially launched. The network aims to empower journalists to report effectively on pressing environmental and extractive issues while advocating for sustainable natural resource management.

The inauguration of the network took place in Tamale, Northern region during a capacity building workshop titled “Building Media and CSOs Capacity for Enhanced Environmental and Extractive Justice in Northern Ghana,” organized by TAMA Foundation Universal with support from the Ford Foundation.

The Executive Director of TAMA Foundation Universal, Dr. Chrys Anab, highlighted the critical need for EEJNet, citing alarming statistics from natural resource conflict studies. According to him, 64 conflicts related to natural resources were identified across 45 communities in 19 districts in Northern Ghana, with gold mining emerging as the leading cause.

Dr. Anab also drew attention to the negative socio-economic impacts of mining in the region, which include: alcoholism and substance abuse, child labor and prostitution, increased school dropout rates and absenteeism, as well as loss of farmlands, jeopardizing food security.

“These challenges threaten livelihoods, food security, and social equality. The media has a crucial role to play in raising awareness and advocating for ethical and sustainable practices to address these issues,” Dr. Anab emphasized.

A media convener for EEJNet, Mohammed Fugu, revealed that a content analysis of media coverage on environmental, climate change, and extractive-related issues in Northern Ghana revealed significant gaps in advocacy and comprehensive reporting.

“Despite the severity of these challenges, issues like climate-smart solutions, biodiversity conservation, and community-led environmental restoration efforts are underreported,” Fugu stated. He attributed the gaps to journalists lacking expertise, resources, and motivation to investigate and report on these complex topics effectively.

The Northern Ghana Environment and Extractive Journalists Network (EEJNet) seeks to build a strong community of journalists dedicated to promoting responsible and impactful reporting. The network’s core objectives include capacity-building initiatives to equip journalists with skills and resources, amplifying advocacy for climate-smart and sustainable development solutions while promoting ethical practices in the extractive sector.

Prominent journalist and Communications Practitioner, Abdul Hayi Moomen, urged journalists within the network to adopt inclusive reporting practices that reflect the perspectives and needs of the communities they serve.

“Engaging the community fosters trust and ensures that the stories being told are relevant and impactful. The media must remain the voice of the marginalized and a champion for change,” Mr. Moomen remarked.

The formation of EEJNet builds on the outcomes of the Media Experts Forum organized in October 2022 by TAMA Foundation Universal and its partners to address the pressing environmental and extractive challenges in Northern Ghana.

Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Joshua Asaah|Tamale

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