Francis Ameyibor (5th from left) with some participants at the workshop
WAANSA-Ghana in collaboration with the UNDP Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) Fund Project has organised a media empowerment workshop on the National Small Arms Bill, 2023 to equip journalists in the Ashanti Region with the knowledge and skills to report on small arms and light weapons issues effectively.
The workshop aimed to equip journalists in the region with practical tools for accurate reporting, strategic advocacy, and policy influence to drive urgent legal reforms for stronger arms governance in Ghana.
The WAANSA-Ghana/UNDP SALIENT Project Fund Coordinator, Francis Ameyibor, underscored the crucial role the media play in shaping public opinion and influencing policy decisions on Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW).
However, he observed that irresponsible reporting can exacerbate conflict and violence.
“Media reportage of SALW faces several challenges, including limited access to information, lack of expertise, pressure from special interest groups, risk of harm or intimidation, and complexity of SALW issues,” he observed.
Notwithstanding, he stressed that to promote peace and security, it is essential to empower the media and enhance accountability in reporting SALW.
“Empowering media and enhancing accountability in reportage of SALW is crucial for promoting peace and security. By promoting responsible and accurate reporting, we can reduce the spread of misinformation and promote a more peaceful and secure world,” Mr. Ameyibor stressed.
Mr. Ameyibor admonished the media to seek out multiple sources, verify information and avoid sensationalism to promote responsible and accurate reporting on SALW, urging them to also provide context and use accurate and neutral language.
“Media outlets and journalists should be held accountable for their reporting on SALW. Governments and NGOs should provide support and protection for journalists reporting on SALW,” he stated.
WAANSA-Ghana President, Ken Kinney, called on the media to partner with the organisation in the fight against the proliferation of illicit small arms, light weapons, ammunition and explosives in Ghana and the ECOWAS sub-region.
Mr. Kinney was hopeful that the workshop would enhance media awareness, promote responsible reporting practices, and support efforts towards the passage of the bill, and also equip media personnel with skills to understand the national small arms and light weapons legislation, policies and regulations as well as existing international, regional and sub regional instruments.
For his part, the Programme Manager at the National Small Arms Commission (NASAC), Leonard Tettey, expressed worry over the delayed passage of the Legislative Instrument (LI) for the Control List, drafted by NASAC in 2017.
“Customs officers need this document to ensure that all weapons entering the country are authorised,” he explained, adding that the absence of the Control List means there are no clear restrictions, and the entry of weapons rely solely on the discretion of customs authorities.
FROM David Afum, Kumasi