Madam Rhoda Kadoa Wedam with stakeholders in Tamale
Song-Ba Empowerment Centre, has launched the Migrant Media Action Project (MMAct) in Tamale, Northern Region.
The project seeks to promote safe migration options, positive alternatives, freedom of expression, and access to reliable migration information.
Madam Rhoda Kadoa Wedam, Executive Director, Song-Ba Empowerment Centre, at the launch said often migration decisions are shaped by incomplete, inaccurate, or misleading information, particularly through social and traditional media platforms, adding that the consequences can be severe, including exploitation and human rights abuses, which can lead to difficult reintegration experiences.
“Over the past months, we conducted a baseline research study and developed a Migration Literacy Guide. The findings clearly revealed gaps in access to credible migration information and limited capacity within sections of the media to report accurately and responsibly on migration-related issues. These findings are not just statistics—they represent real young people, real families, and real communities whose futures are influenced by the information they receive,” she revealed.
She noted that through media capacity-building workshops, dissemination of the Migration Literacy Guide, community dialogues, and structured stakeholder engagement, they aim to create an informed ecosystem where migration decisions are made based on facts not myths.
“We will achieve this by strengthening migration literacy among the youth and communities, building the capacity of media professionals to produce accurate and balanced content, and enhancing collaboration among key stakeholders,” she explained.
Madam Wedam assured that Song-Ba Empowerment Centre is committed to empower youth and vulnerable groups to make informed choices, strengthen their voices, and realise their full potential.
“At Song-Ba Empowerment Centre, our commitment has always been to empower youth and vulnerable groups to make informed choices, strengthen their voices, and realise their full potential. MMAct aligns strongly with our mission as an organisation (i.e. returning migrants by strengthening their voices, promoting dignity and safety, building economic resilience, and advancing community-led advocacy that challenges harmful norms and social exclusion, and reinforces our dedication to advocacy, community education, and sustainable development,” she stated.
The Executive Director of Song-Ba Empowerment Centre indicated that media professionals play a critical role in shaping narratives and that with the right tools and knowledge, they can influence positive change and help ensure that migration stories are told accurately, responsibly, and ethically.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf John, assured the full support of the Regional Coordinating Council and all Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the region, adding that his office will facilitate stakeholder engagements and encourage local participation to ensure the sustainability of the initiative.
He encouraged media practitioners to embrace the opportunity for capacity building and partnership.
“You are not merely reporters of events; you are educators, watchdogs and agents of development. Your storytelling can shape perceptions, influence policy and save lives,” he stressed.
The Northern Regional Minister urged traditional and religious leaders to support the initiative by promoting accurate information and discouraging unsafe migration practices.
FROM Eric Kombat, Tamale