FactSpace West Africa has trained about 33 journalists in the Upper East Region on fact-checking, digital verification and conflict-sensitive reporting as part of efforts to combat misinformation and disinformation in conflict reporting.
The two-day training, organised by FactSpace West Africa in partnership with UNICEF and supported by UNESCO through the IPDC EMBRACE Project, forms part of a broader initiative to strengthen responsible journalism and prevent the spread of false information that could heighten tensions in communities.
Speaking in an interview, Executive Director of FactSpace West Africa, Rabiu Alhassan, said the programme was informed by years of research conducted by the organisation on the Bawku conflict and the role of social media in influencing public narratives and fuelling tensions.
He said FactSpace West Africa previously developed a social media intelligence report that examined how various actors used online platforms to deepen divisions and reinforce opposing positions in the conflict.
“The report mapped the tactics, techniques and procedures being used by actors in the Bawku conflict to entrench the positions of both sides and worsen the situation,” he said.
Mr. Alhassan said the organisation decided to engage journalists because of their important role in shaping public discourse and influencing how communities understand conflict-related issues.
“We wanted to strengthen the capacity of journalists because they are key actors in information dissemination. Responsible journalism can help consolidate the relative peace we are currently witnessing in Bawku and neighbouring districts,” he said.
He noted that FactSpace West Africa had previously organised capacity-building programmes for media organisations in the region to improve reporting standards and encourage journalists to verify information before publication.
Mr. Alhassan expressed optimism that the latest training would further strengthen ethical journalism practices and help restore public confidence in the media by promoting accuracy and professionalism.
He emphasised that the media remain critical partners in peacebuilding, particularly in conflict-prone areas where misinformation can quickly escalate tensions and undermine efforts towards reconciliation.
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