By Solomon Gumah
Tamale, March 16, GNA – Journalists have been advised to take their personal safety and security more seriously, especially when reporting on conflict sensitive issues.
Madam Sheila Mysorekar of DW Akadamie, who gave the advice, said the safety of journalists was paramount in conflict sensitive reporting because they needed to be alive to report, adding no story was worth the life of a journalist.
Madam Mysorekar said this whilst facilitating a week-long training workshop for selected journalists in Northern Ghana on conflict sensitive reporting.
She explained that journalists could experience trauma, stress and sometimes face online harassment and trolling, which could be emotionally distressing.
She urged journalists to prioritise the use of secure communication channels and data storage methods to protect their sources and data, and also to help minimise online bullying and victimization.
The workshop, organised by DW Akadamie, was part of ongoing efforts by the DW Akadamie to strengthen the capacity of media practitioners in Northern Ghana to empower them to champion responsible journalism that fostered peace and stability in the region.
It was to enhance the understanding of participants on conflict profiles, background stories, root causes, involved actors, and conflict dynamics to ensure a more comprehensive and responsible reportage.
Madam Mysorekar emphasised the critical role of journalists in promoting peace, saying “In the dynamic and diverse landscape of Northern Ghana, journalism plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception and fostering peace. We believe this training will equip journalists and correspondents with the needed skills to report responsibly.”
She called on journalists to understand the roles of various actors in conflict zones, seek diverse sources of information, and ensure all perspectives were fairly represented in their reports.
Mr Moses Apiah Abaah, a journalist with A1 Radio in the Upper East Region, on behalf of the participants, expressed gratitude to DW Akadamie for the platform established to enhance their capacity on conflict sensitive reporting.
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