Preventing Violent Extremism: Uphold your ethical values, counter misinformation — CRS Ghana urge journalists

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) recently organized a two-day training program on the Prevention of Violent Extremism/Terrorism (PVET) for selected journalists in Accra.

The training, which took place from October 5 to October 6 at the Mensvic Grand Hotel, aimed to equip journalists with the necessary skills to responsibly report on PVET issues in the country.

During the training, journalists were urged to uphold their ethical values and exercise caution in their reportage.

They were specifically advised to carefully select panelists for talk shows, ensuring they avoid inciteful comments that could potentially lead to violence in the country.

The CRS emphasized that media spaces often contribute to the spread of violent extremism, particularly due to the absence of proper regulations.

Colonel Felix Korbieh Esq, speaking on the legal foundations of violent extremism and terrorism, emphasized the importance of properly defining terrorism and related activities.

He highlighted that “for an offence to be deemed as a crime, it must be against an existing law.”

Colonel Korbieh referred to the UNSCR 1373(2001), which urges countries to define and criminalize terrorism, emphasizing that terrorism is a global threat.

Madam Irene Elorm Hatsu Fierbor, e-learning Project Lead at KAIPTC, addressed the role of media in violent extremism and terrorism.

She pointed out that “extremists often rely on media channels, particularly social media, for recruitment due to its cost-effectiveness and wide reach.”

Madam Hatsu Fierbor stressed the importance of inter-agency collaboration among media practitioners to facilitate fact-checking, prevent the spread of fear and panic, and promote accurate reporting.

She also urged the media to educate the public extensively about violent extremism and its far-reaching effects in order to prevent its occurrence in the country.

The facilitator highlighted the role of gender in violent extremism and terrorism, dispelling popular stereotypes. Contrary to common belief, women can be both victims and perpetrators, while men are sometimes victims.

The facilitator cited the infamous Nairobi Westgate Mall attack, which claimed numerous lives, including that of Ghana's Professor Kofi Awoonor, and was believed to have been led by a white widow.

However, the facilitator acknowledged that women can also play a crucial role as peacebuilders in resolving such cases.

Commander Odoi Narh, Acting Director of Strategic Intelligence EU and NATO Desk Officer, emphasized the media's responsibility to raise awareness and exercise caution in their operations to avoid inciting extremist activities.

He highlighted the media's unfortunate role as a source of information for extremists, who are often empty on their own.

Commander Narh urged the media to shape public opinion in a positive manner, promoting effective dialogue and engaging with bodies such as the intelligence force, whose work aligns with that of the media.

He emphasized the need for “unbiased reporting, respect for diverse voices, conflict sensitivity, and balanced reporting.”

The training program provided journalists with valuable insights and tools to counter misinformation and uphold professionalism in their reporting on PVET issues.