The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has trained journalists to avoid misinformation and disinformation in the lead-up to the 2024 elections.
Kwaku Krobea Asante, Programs Director at Fact Check Ghana, warned that misinformation is a major threat to the security and development of nations.
Asante also stated that low digital literacy on the African continent puts many countries at risk. To address this issue, MFWA has committed to building the capacity of journalists to ensure false information does not trickle into news reportage.
The Media Foundation for West Africa trained fifteen journalists across various media houses across the country in fact-checking tools and techniques. The workshop was part of initiatives to impart knowledge of media best practices. Journalists were taught fact-checking processes, identifying claims, verification of information, presentation of facts, diversification of sources, and putting together fact-checking reports.
Stephen Tindi, a Lecturer at the Ghana Institute of Journalism, urged journalists to guard against misinformation as the 2024 elections draw closer.
Tindi emphasized the importance of prioritizing accuracy over speed when reporting. He warned that breaking false news could damage the journalist's reputation and the organization's reputation.
“Although there is the pressure to be the first to break the news, it is important to always prioritize accuracy over speed. When you break the news and it turns out to be false information, you will be discredited. Your organization's reputation also stands to be damaged,” he advised.