A two-day capacity-building workshop on human rights and media freedom was held in Accra, with 25 journalists from selected media houses participating.
Organized by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the training aimed to enhance journalists’ understanding of human rights norms and principles.
The workshop covered various topics, including human rights instruments, preventing and countering hate speech, the media’s role in election violence, and gender-based violence against journalists, women, and young people during elections.
Discussions also addressed social media, disinformation, and election-related issues.
Charles Sedem Hottor, Head of Research, Statistics, and Information at the Ministry, representing the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, commended CHRAJ and OHCHR for organizing the workshop.
He highlighted that the training aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting human rights and a free, responsible press.
Hottor emphasized the importance of journalists possessing the knowledge and skills to report effectively on human rights issues, uphold ethical standards, and maintain public trust.
CHRAJ Commissioner Joseph Whittal noted that despite efforts to safeguard press freedom and human rights in Ghana, concerns persist, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups. He cited examples of prejudiced reporting against the Fulani people as an illustration.
The workshop aimed to deepen journalists’ understanding of human rights norms and equip them with tools and knowledge to report accurately and empathetically.
OHCHR Country Representative Robert Kotchani stated that the training was designed to enhance journalists’ capacity to report accurately and comprehensively on human rights issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as well as to strengthen their digital security measures to ensure safe information management.
Ghana Journalists Association President Albert Kwabena Dwumfour reminded journalists to remain professional and ethical, especially during the election period.
He emphasized the media’s power to shape public opinion and influence voter behavior, which must be exercised with caution and restraint.
Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa