In a world where words can either ignite war or build peace, journalists in Ghana’s northern regions have been equipped with the power to choose wisely.
Over five days in Tamale, reporters from the Northern and Upper East regions gathered to sharpen their skills in conflict-sensitive reporting, learning how to tell stories that not only inform but also heal.
The training, led by Sheila Mysorekar of DW Akademie and assisted by Isaac Kaledzi, a reporter for DW, delved deep into the roots of conflict, the dangers of sensationalism, and the responsibility journalists have in shaping public perception. It wasn’t just theory—participants engaged in practical exercises, dissecting real-life scenarios, and rethinking how they tell stories.
“Often, journalists report in ways that escalate conflicts instead of de-escalating them,” Mrs. Mysorekar told Bolga FM in an exclusive interview. “Speculation, inciting words, and a focus on warring factions rather than victims can fuel revenge. But journalism has the power to do the opposite—to show the human cost of conflict, highlight solutions, and encourage dialogue.”
She painted a picture that many journalists could relate to. “Something happens, someone is shot, clashes erupt, and that’s when the cameras start rolling. But what about before that? What if we reported on the tensions simmering beneath the surface, the unspoken grievances, the small sparks before the fire? Conflict-sensitive reporting urges us to ask: What led to this? How can it be prevented?”
For the journalists, it was a wake-up call. Anthony Adongo Apubeo, Upper East Regional Correspondent for the Ghana News Agency, reflected on the small yet powerful lessons that stood out to him. “Our choice of words can either unite or divide. Sometimes, in our rush to attract attention, we use sensational language that only deepens the divide. This training has made me realize that journalism isn’t just about telling a story—it’s about telling it in a way that fosters understanding, not hate.”
The training also introduced participants to conflict mapping, a method that breaks down conflicts into visible and hidden causes. “Many conflicts have roots we don’t see at first glance,” Anthony noted. “Understanding those layers helps us tell deeper, more meaningful stories.”
For Eric Kombat, Northern Regional Correspondent for Daily Guide, it was the overlooked voices that struck him the most. “Women, children, and other marginalized groups suffer the most in conflicts, yet they are often left out of our reports. This training has made me realize that their stories matter. They need to be heard because sometimes, their voices are the ones calling for peace.”
Beyond reporting, the training also emphasized journalist safety. Many reporters put their lives on the line to cover conflicts, sometimes without realizing the risks they take. “Journalists tend to focus on getting the story, but what about their own safety?” Mrs. Mysorekar pointed out. “We discussed ways to stay safe while still doing impactful reporting.”
The most striking lesson of all? The smallest choices matter. The words chosen, the images selected, the angles emphasized—each decision shapes how a conflict is perceived and understood. Mrs. Mysorekar urged journalists to recognize their role not just as storytellers but as potential peacemakers.
As the training ended, the journalists walked away with more than just notes and certificates. They carried with them a renewed sense of responsibility—a commitment to telling stories that do not merely report conflict but help prevent it.
Source: A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mhz|Seidu Mutawakil Azangbeogo|Bolgatanga
