Ministry of Information launches initiative to build capacity of journalists
The Ministry of Information has launched the third cohort of an initiative aimed at building the capacity of journalists and media practitioners across the country.
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On the theme: “The Media Capacity Enhancement Programme (MCEP)”, it will offer 10 models of training for journalists across the television, radio, print and online spaces in line with emerging trends and ethical standards.
It will be organised in a hybrid form with 40 in-person participants and 60 virtual participants from Tuesday, September 10, 2024 to Friday, September 14, 2024 at the University of Media, Arts, and Communication (UniMAC) Dworwulu Campus in Accra.
This year’s edition will include specialised training to tackle challenges that journalists face during elections.
The additional modules will focus on critical areas such as fact-checking, ethical considerations in reporting, understanding electoral processes and navigating the digital landscape.
Significance
The Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar, who announced this at an encounter with the media, emphasised that the training was poised to address the challenges faced by the industry to position Ghana's media to play its role effectively as the fourth estate of the governance system.
She said the programme was in line with the ministry’s key strategic objectives which hinged on qualitative and effective reportage, professionalism in the conduct of both media personnel and media houses, holding duty bearers to account and specialisation in areas such as education, health and sports.
“Media practitioners and media houses are encouraged to take advantage of this training.
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Although we are opening the portal to everyone, it is our prayer that we will get diversity so that it is not only one media house that is applying for its members to take advantage of the training, but everyone from any media house,” she added.
Ms Abubakar also stated that the ministry had always provided funding to ensure the successful implementation of the initiative, stressing that it would continue to secure funding for the implementation of subsequent training.
Stewards of truth
The Chairperson of the programme’s Working Committee, Gloria Hiadzi, emphasised the crucial role of journalists in an era where information flowed freely, describing them as stewards of truth, the champions of accountability, and the voices that reflect the hopes and concerns of our society.
She said it was a collective responsibility to ensure they were equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of their profession.
“Today in the news, I'm sure we all read about the journalist who has been sentenced to a jail term of 30 days for publication of false news. This is not pleasant to hear, and it also emphasises the need for us to continuously train ourselves to improve our knowledge and ensure we do not get caught by the law,” Ms Hiadzi added.
As the nation moves towards elections, she noted that media professionals needed to be equipped with the tools to report accurately, fairly and responsibly stressing that by enhancing their skills in these areas, “we are not only improving the quality of journalism, but also protecting the integrity of the county’s democratic processes”.
“The skills you acquire here will not only enhance your professional journey but will also contribute to the greater good of our society. Let us remember that the strength of our democracy lies in the hands of informed and responsible journalists. Together, we can ensure that the voices of our citizens are heard, their stories are told and their lives are protected,” Ms Hiadzi added.