By Seraphine Nyuiemedi
The Alliance for Women in Media Africa (AWMA) and UNESCO have partnered to train female journalists on election coverage and safety, with the aim of enhancing both media representation and democratic integrity in the country.
During the two-day training, a patron of AWMA and Dean of the School of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana, Professor Audrey Gadzekpo, highlighted the crucial role of women in covering the upcoming elections.
Prof. Gadzekpo emphasised the need for Ghana to avoid complacency as it advances in its democratic journey and reminded participants of the risks journalists face, especially women, who are often vulnerable to gender-specific threats.
“We cannot take democracy for granted,” she warned, citing examples of democratic backsliding in other African nations.
She praised the support from UNESCO and AWMA, emphasising that female journalists’ safety is paramount, as they play a vital role in keeping the public informed.
Prof. Gadzekpo also underscored the importance of balanced election reporting, urging journalists to cover all candidates and voices rather than focusing only on the two dominant political parties.
She pointed to the presence of a female vice-presidential candidate as a step forward for gender representation and encouraged journalists to highlight perspectives from marginalised groups to ensure a truly democratic process.
Legal practitioner and host of Newsfile on JoyNews, Samson Lardy Anyenini, also facilitated the event, urging female journalists to remain firm in their duties despite the male dominance in the media field.
“Being a woman should not circumscribe your role as a journalist,” Mr. Anyenini stated, emphasising that journalists are the mouthpiece of the Ghanaian people and should not be victims of electoral violence. He advised participants to prioritise their safety, familiarise themselves with basic election laws, and report accurately.
“There is freedom before speech, but freedom after speech will not be guaranteed,” he warned, cautioning against content that could endanger journalists. He further encouraged the preservation of evidence in cases of violence to hold perpetrators accountable.
Convernor for AWMA, Ms. Mercy Adjabeng, echoed these sentiments, stressing the importance of protecting women journalists who often encounter discrimination and gender-based threats.
She urged attendees to connect, support one another, and bring gender perspectives to election reporting, including examining the number of women candidates, their visibility, and the extent of media coverage they receive. Ms. Adjabeng also encouraged solidarity among female journalists to challenge gender biases and build a more inclusive media landscape.
A Senior Programmes Officer at the Media Foundation for West Africa and a facilitator at the training, Mr. Kweku Krobea Asante, discussed the growing issue of gender-based disinformation and its impact on women in politics. He highlighted the importance of tracking and countering these narratives to protect women running for public office.
Throughout the training, attendees shared experiences and strategies, fostering a supportive network as they prepare for the rigorous demands of election reporting.
With UNESCO’s continued support, AWMA is building a legacy of empowered female journalists ready to contribute to Ghana’s democratic evolution through fair, balanced, and courageous reporting.
As Ghana readies for its ninth election since embracing democracy, AWMA’s pioneering initiative is set to strengthen not only the safety and resilience of women in media but also the integrity of the democratic process itself.
