Youth Bridge Foundation, Czech Embassy build capacity of citizen journalists

By Rosemary Wayo

Tamale, Sept 14, GNA – The Youth Bridge Foundation, in partnership with Czech Embassy in Ghana, has held a workshop in Tamale to enhance the skills of citizen journalists. 

The workshop, funded by Czech Aid, trained young people to identify and address misinformation within their communities. 

It was on the theme: “Developing Community Youth Capacities to Identify and Flag Fake News for Peaceful Elections.”  

It involved the training of 35 youth and student journalists in news verification and misinformation management. 

Resource persons from the Electoral Commission (EC) and the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE) addressed the importance of upholding electoral values. 

Miss Mawuena Azumah, Member of the Youth Bridge Foundation’s Youth Advisory Board, at the opening of the workshop, said it formed part of a broader project that focused on combating misinformation particularly in the context of the upcoming 2024 general election.  

She said the training was part of ongoing collaborations beyond a single event with other initiatives where participants were expected to disseminate knowledge earned throughout their communities. 

Mr Matěj Denk, the Head of Missions and Chief Political Officer at the Czech Embassy, said attendance at the event was a reflection of the project’s growing relevance. 

He said the Czech Republic’s support for the event was rooted in a long-standing friendship with Ghana and a shared commitment to democracy and journalism. 

He expressed confidence in the ability of the youth to uphold the project’s goals and prioritise the country’s peace in the upcoming elections. 

Miss Memunatu Fuseini, Trainee of the Youth Bridge Foundation, speaking on behalf of participants, outlined aspirations of the youth for the upcoming elections.  

She said the youth desired inclusive and youth-friendly electoral process, emphasising the need for their concerns to be considered in social policy improvements.  

GNA