27 Jan 2012 Ghana: Increasing Media Responsibility in Northern Ghana

West Africa Network for Peace-building (WANEP), Ghana
€ 9,850
Ref. 1604

The West Africa Network for Peace-building (WANEP) is a non-profit, non-governmental organization established in 2002 as part of civil society’s effort to prevent, resolve, and transform violent conflicts through the collective efforts of groups and individuals actively engaged in peace-building. WANEP intends to tackle the current situation in the north of Ghana, which is characterised by insecurities related to chieftaincy, land and ethnic conflicts and where there is escalating tension as a result of the media’s coverage of negative pronouncements by politicians. As Ghana’s 2012 elections draw closer, the role of the media in preventing conflict and in providing fair and balanced reporting becomes increasingly important. Lack of capacity by media personnel in the north as well lack of awareness about the effects of their publications on peace are contributory factors. By means of this project WANEP seeks to raise the level of professionalism and responsible journalism among media practitioners in order to promote peace. The project envisages a consultative meeting with the chief executive officers of media houses; a consultative meeting with executives of the Ghana Journalist Association from three regions of the north; a two-day training workshop for editors and journalists of media houses; and the production of debates on local radio stations.

Contact: Mr. Justin Bayor
National Network Coordinator
Email: wanep-ghana@wanep.org or jbayor@wanep.org
Web: www.wanep.org/wanep/networks-our-networks/ghana.html