Albert Kwabena Dwumfour – GJA President
The President of the Ghana Journalist Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, has called on the leadership of the African Peace and Security Association (APSA) to introduce capacity-building programmes for journalists on security and conflict resolution.
This initiative aims to provide a local perspective and address the nuances often absent in Western media coverage.
Mr. Kwabena Dwumfour emphasised that Western media tends to portray African conflicts in a negative and oversimplified manner due to factors such as a lack of understanding of the conflict situation, stereotypes, biases, and agenda-setting, which have contributed to a distorted image of the continent.
He stressed the importance of training African journalists in security and conflict resolution to gain a deeper understanding of the local context, culture, and history. This, in turn, he said will enable them to deliver more accurate and empathetic reporting.
“It is crucial for APSA to provide training and enhance the capacity of journalists in the areas of security, conflict resolution, international relations, and diplomacy. Journalists are expected to have a comprehensive understanding to report accurately,” he remarked.
Mr. Kwabena Dwumfour further highlighted that well-trained African journalists could play a significant role in reshaping the prevailing narrative about Africa, moving away from the predominant focus on conflict and poverty toward a more nuanced and precise representation of the continent’s complexities and achievements.
He also pointed out that proficient African journalists could contribute to promoting peace and security by delivering accurate and responsible reporting, thereby helping prevent conflicts and fostering understanding.
The GJA President made these statements during the 20th anniversary celebration of the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU-ECOSOCC) under the theme, ‘Media’s Role in Promoting APSA as a Framework for Peacebuilding.’
The Head of Secretariat at ECOSOCC, William Carew, underscored the vital role of journalists in Africa’s conflict resolution, peace, and security.
He noted that journalists covering conflicts often face physical assault, death, and other injuries, which deter others from engaging in conflict reporting due to safety concerns.
William Carew emphasised the need to promote peace journalism as a means to facilitate dialogue for ethically addressing conflict issues.
He highlighted the impact of community events on journalists, emphasising the importance of promoting peace journalism to address conflicts ethically.
By Prince Fiifi Yorke