25 Journalists receive training on human rights, hate speech
Up to 25 journalists from selected media houses are undergoing a two-day capacity-building workshop on human rights in the context of media freedom, preventing hate speech and incitement of violence.
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The training is jointly being organised by the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the United Nations Human Rights High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Key among the topics to be discussed are human rights instruments, preventing and countering hate speech, the role of the media in election violence and gender-based violence against journalists, women and young people in elections, social media, disinformation and election, among others.
Opening
Opening the workshop in Accra yesterday, the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, commended CHRAJ and OHCHR for organising the workshop, saying it aligned with the government's commitment to promoting human rights and a free, responsible press.
“It's crucial for journalists to have the knowledge and skills to effectively report on human rights issues, uphold ethical standards and maintain the trust of the public.
“This workshop is timely, as we navigate complex challenges in our democracy,” she said in a speech read on her behalf by the Head of Research, Statistics and Information at the ministry, Charles Sedem Hottor.
Commitment
She said under the leadership of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the government had been committed to protecting press freedom and the safety of journalists as enshrined in the 1992 Constitution.
In line with that, she said the government enacted the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2019 and the Whistle Blowers Act to promote transparency and accountability.
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In addition to that, she said the government had also facilitated the establishment of the Africa Office of the Independent Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM) in Accra adding that these initiatives demonstrated the government’s commitment to a free, independent and responsible press.
“We believe that a vibrant media landscape is essential to our democracy and development,” she said.
The Commissioner of CHRAJ, Joseph Whittal, said despite the efforts made locally to safeguard the freedom of expression and the press, there were still serious human rights concerns in Ghana, particularly in the protection of vulnerable groups.
For instance, he described as disturbing, the prejudiced reporting about “Fulanis” as being responsible for every highway robbery.
The workshop, he said, sought to deepen journalists' understanding of human rights norms, the Sustainable Development Goals and also to equip participants with the appropriate tools and knowledge to report human rights issues with accuracy, empathy and integrity.
He added that the workshop would help journalists to better engage with human rights mechanisms, including a human rights institution such as CHRAJ, for enhanced human rights protection.
“The workshop will seek to enhance the capacity of journalists in Ghana, deepen the knowledge base of journalists, explore how human rights principles intersect with journalism, the ethical considerations in reporting and mitigating challenges faced by journalists working in environments where human rights and fundamental freedoms are constantly under threat,” he said.
The Country Representative of OHCHR, Robert Kotchani, said the training would not only enhance the capacity of journalists in Ghana to report accurately and comprehensively on human rights issues and SDGs but also strengthen their capacity to take digital security measures to ensure the safe management of information generated through their work.
That, he said, must also include information on human rights issues, particularly gender-based violence that might be sensitive and on electoral processes.
Professionalism
The President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, reminded journalists to remain professional and ethical at all times.
“As the election approaches, with the government determined to break the 8 and the opposition saying No Way, a lot is therefore expected from the media in promoting peace and stability in this critical period.
“Although the media have the power to shape public opinion, influence voter behaviour and hold leaders accountable, that power, however, must be exercised with caution and restraint,” he added
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