By Solomon Gumah/Nasara Rama Yakubu
Tamale, April 26, GNA – A day’s sensitisation workshop has been held in Tamale for selected journalists in the Northern Region to enhance their understanding of small arms and light weapons, and how to report on them responsibly.
The workshop, which was the third in the series, was organised by the West Africa Action Network on Small Arms (WAANSA-Ghana) in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Fund project.
It brought together community journalists, news reporters, editors, and media managers including some traditional authorities to equip them with the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary for effective reporting on issues related to small arms and light weapons.
It also focused on empowering the media to enhance accountability in their coverage of small arms issues.
Participants were sensitised on the media’s role in shaping national discourse on small arms control, the 2023 National Small Arms Bill, and best practices for responsible reporting, a case for legal reforms in small arms and light weapons in the country amongst others.
Mr Ken Kinney, President of WAANSA-Ghana, speaking during the workshop, said it was part of a broader strategy to strengthen media understanding and advocacy for the timely passage of the 2023 National Small Arms Bill.
He added that “This workshop aims to deepen journalists’ knowledge of national and international regulations on small arms and light weapons.”
Mr Francis Ameyibor, WAANSA-Ghana/UNDP SALIENT Fund Project Coordinator and Vice President of West Africa Network of Journalists for Security and Development, delivered a presentation on promoting responsible journalism.
He emphasised the importance of context, verification and avoiding sensationalism when reporting on small arms and light weapons to prevent exacerbating tensions.
He said “Responsible reporting on small arms and light weapons is critical to preventing their illicit trade, which threatens peace, security, and development, especially in conflict and post-conflict regions.”
He called for stronger collaboration between journalists and stakeholders to promote accurate reporting and contribute to a more peaceful world.
Participants pledged their commitment to using their platforms to raise public awareness about the dangers associated with small arms and light weapons.
Mr Alhassan Abubakari Baba, a journalist with the Daily Graphic in Tamale, lauded WAANSA-Ghana and its partners for the initiative and pledged to advocate for the passage of the 2023 National Small Arms Bill.
GNA
EA/KOA