UniMAC-IJ students receive fact-checking training

Members of the Media and Information Literacy Club at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) - Institute of Journalism received a two-day fact-checking training in collaboration with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Commission for UNESCO.

The training took place on May 6 and 7, 2024, at the university's computer laboratory.

Importance of Media Literacy Highlighted

Dr. Lawrencia Agyepong, Head of the Department of Communication Studies, expressed pride in the club's collaboration with the Ghana Commission for UNESCO and MFWA in organizing the training for students. She said, "The Department of Communication Studies is extremely proud to be part of the Media and Information Literacy club in collaboration with the Ghana Commission for UNESCO and Media Foundation for West Africa in organizing Fact-checking Training for students."

Dr. Agyepong highlighted the importance of media and information literacy during the upcoming election year, stating, "Given the fact that we are in the competitive election year and the use of digital platforms has become a part of campaigning effort for political parties, this means that the ability to critically consume and evaluate media and information is more crucial than ever."

Call for combating misinformation
Mrs. Ama Serwah Nerquaye-Tetteh, Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, joined virtually and delivered a video message. She said, "The upcoming general election in Ghana presents a critical stage where the need for a reliable information is paramount as such we must prioritize media and information and critical thinking skills to combat disinformation and misinformation especially in this digital age where misinformation and fake news spreads like wildfire."

Training Topics and Facilitators
The training covered topics like understanding information disorder, propaganda narratives, promoting information hygiene in Ghana, fact-checking, and an introduction to Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools. The sessions were facilitated by Mr. Stephen Tindi, a lecturer at UniMAC/GIJ and the club's patron, as well as representatives from Fact-Check Ghana.

Club Advisor's Remark
Dr. Kodwo Jonas Anson Boateng, Senior Lecturer and the Head of the Department of Social Sciences at the University, who doubles as the advisor for the club, shared his thoughts on the training. "I am happy that you are learning something new," he said. "It's been a quite long history with the establishment of this Media Information Literacy Club. I met it through the initiative of Dr. Agyepong and Dr. Tabicca. I inherited it halfway and handed it over to your patron, Mr. Stephen Tindi."

Dr. Boateng acknowledged the relevance of new technologies and artificial intelligence, stating, "We are hoping that as time goes on with these new technologies and software, as well as artificial intelligence coming up, we will still have some relevance in your profession. So briefly, I want to congratulate you and thank our esteemed sponsors as well."

Participants Feedback
Participants, Oppong Peprah Justice and Frances Addae praised the training, with Oppong saying, "I got to know how to use the necessary tools for Fact-checking. The organizers have done well." Addae added, "I have learned how to use the various Fact-checking tools to detect whether a claim is true or false. I know that the skill I have acquired will help me to bring a positive impact on our society, that is decreasing misinformation and disinformation in our society."