Wa: Journalists urge to foster social cohesion through advocacy, accurate & factual reporting
The Chief Executive Officer of the Social Initiative for Literacy and Development Program (SILDEP), Mr. Moses Dramani Luri, has acknowledged the vital role the media plays in ensuring social cohesion and countering acts of terrorism as the fourth estate of the realm.
He urged Journalists to continue to play their role of fostering social cohesion through advocacy, accurate and factual reporting.
“The role of the media in protecting the boarders, building cohesion, educating the citizenry and improving their livelihoods through advocacy is key”
“It is everyone’s duty to ensure peace, security and combating terrorism but that of the media is so crucial in setting the agenda, avoiding fear and panic in information but also providing factual and accurate information and avoiding misinformation” Mr. Luri stressed.
In a day media engagement session held at the Wa Sem B Lodge on December 12, 2024, the journalists were brought up to speed, the progress of the Strengthening Cohesion in Upper West (SCUW) project.
The SCUW project forms part of the broader security in Northern Ghana (SIG) project by Star Ghana geared towards fostering peace and security in the northern regions of Ghana.
Mr. Luri says, the media serves as a bridge interconnecting diverse communities and building informed dialogue, hence the need for journalists to be updated on the insights of the project objectives, activities, and anticipated impact, while fostering collaboration with media partners and the role the fourth estate of the realm plays in promoting peace and security.
He adds that, the media has the role of promoting inclusivity by highlighting stories of unity and collaboration, showcasing the benefits of diversity and encourage inclusive practices within the communities.
The CEO furthered that, the media has the power of educating the public on the dangers of terrorism and the tactics employed by extremists and the steps individual and communities can take to prevent radicalization.
He again indicated that, the media has a role to play in debunking violence extremists ideologies by way of countering misinformation and preventing them from escalating through accurate and timely reportage.
The journalists were also given the opportunity to voice out their opinions on how social cohesion can be built through media advocacy and the crucial role the media plays to contribute their quota in curtailing acts of violence extremists.
Several suggestions were made by the participating media practitioners through group presentations on the need for minor groups in society to be given equal opportunity to be heard, while integrated settlement amongst others should be encouraged at the community’s level.
The SCUW project according to SILDEP, seeks to enhance cohesion and resilience in the Upper West Region through the implementation of community policing initiatives, inter-ethnic dialogues, and the development of effective early warning and response mechanisms.
By: Saeed Fatawu|W93.5FM|myghanawatch.com|