The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Ghana has concluded a comprehensive two-day training program for journalists in Northern Ghana, focusing on conflict-sensitive reporting and information hygiene practices. The intensive workshop, held from July 28-30, 2025, at Modern City Hotel in Tamale, was funded by UNDP and Japan Government.
The training brought together media professionals from the Upper East, Savannah, and Upper West regions which are areas identified as potential conflict hotspots.
Mr. Eugene Yirbour, immediate past Acting Office Director of Democracy, Rights, and Governance at USAID and a conflict management specialist, emphasized the critical role journalists play in shaping public discourse.
“Whatever journalists report can either act as a potent bomb or serve to heal,” Yirbour stated during the session. He highlighted how journalists’ extensive reach influences both literate and illiterate audiences, making their responsibility for conflict-sensitive reporting paramount to fostering social cohesion and peace-building in Northern Ghana.
The training aimed to help journalists reshape narratives surrounding regional conflicts, many of which stem from misconceptions and misinformation that can exacerbate tensions.
Yirbour particularly stressed the importance of recognizing early warning signs of violent extremism in border communities, where journalists can play a crucial educational role in preventing the infiltration of extremist organizations.
Roselena Ahiable, Project Manager at DUBAWA West Africa, led sessions on fact-checking and information verification. She emphasized the importance of journalists adhering to in-house regulations to ensure truthful information dissemination, noting that while improvements have been made in the media landscape, continuous adaptation is necessary to address evolving challenges.
“As social media usage increases, so does the potential for misinformation,” Ahiable observed. She encouraged participants to share their fact-checking skills online, enabling audiences to internalize these practices across various social media platforms as part of a collective effort to promote credible information.
Kume Izumi, representing the Embassy of Japan in Ghana, praised the collaborative efforts of UNDP and its implementing partners, including the Ghana Journalists Association Northern Region Chapter, the Media Foundation for West Africa, and the National Media Commission.
Izumi highlighted the timeliness of the training, noting that journalism stands “at a fascinating crossroads” as AI-powered tools reshape news production. She warned that AI-generated content, often indistinguishable from authentic news, increases the speed and scale at which falsehoods can spread.
“As journalists and online bloggers, you bear the responsibility of being frontline actors against misinformation,” Izumi told participants. “I urge you all to take this training seriously and to use the skills you acquire as tools for preventing violence and promoting dialogue.”
She reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting capacity-building programs that strengthen peace and security in Ghana and the broader region, emphasizing the mutual respect and shared aspirations that define Japan-Ghana relations.
The training represents part of broader efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote responsible journalism in Ghana’s northern regions. By equipping journalists with conflict-sensitive reporting skills and fact-checking capabilities, the program aims to create a more informed public discourse and contribute to long-term peace and stability.
The initiative underscores the critical role of international cooperation in addressing contemporary challenges to media integrity and democratic governance, particularly in regions vulnerable to conflict and misinformation.
