Journalists are trained in human rights and press freedom

A two-day capacity-building workshop on human rights and media freedom was held in Accra, attended by 25 journalists from selected media houses.

The training, organised by the Commission for Human Rights and Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), aimed to improve journalists’ understanding of human rights norms and principles.

The workshop covered a range of topics, including human rights instruments, preventing and combating hate speech, the role of the media in electoral violence, and gender-based violence against journalists, women and young people during elections.

The discussions also covered social media, disinformation and election-related issues.

Charles Sedem Hottor, Head of Research, Statistics and Information at the Ministry, represented CHRAJ and OHCHR for the organisation of the workshop on behalf of the Minister of Information, Fatimatu Abubakar.

He stressed that the training was in line with the government's commitment to promote human rights and a free, responsible press.

Hottor stressed the importance of journalists having the knowledge and skills needed to effectively report on human rights issues, uphold ethical standards and maintain public trust.

CHRAJ Commissioner Joseph Whittal noted that despite efforts to protect press freedom and human rights in Ghana, concerns remain, particularly in protecting vulnerable groups, citing examples of biased reporting against the Fulani people.

The aim of the workshop was to deepen journalists’ understanding of human rights standards and to provide them with tools and knowledge for accurate and sensitive reporting.

OHCHR Country Representative Robert Kotchani explained that the aim of the training is to improve journalists' ability to report accurately and comprehensively on human rights issues and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to strengthen their digital security measures to ensure secure information management.

President of the Ghana Journalists Association, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, reminded journalists to remain professional and ethical especially during the election period.

He stressed that the media has the power to shape public opinion and influence voter behavior and that this power must be exercised with caution and restraint.

Source: Kodwo Mensah Aboroampa