iWatch Africa Launches Digital Rights Initiative

iWatch Africa, a non-profit organization, has launched a digital rights initiative in Accra to curb online harassment experienced by human rights activists and journalists in Ghana.

iWatch Africa in collaboration with the Commission on Human Rights Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) and the police will monitor and prosecute individuals who use various online platforms to trample on the fundamental human rights of the targeted group.

The Co-Founder of iWatch Africa, Gideon Sarpong in his address at the event to launch the initiative decried the impact of online harassment on the quality of journalism practised in the country.

He called on the general public to be conscious of their social media posts so they don't undermine the democracy and Constitution of Ghana.

The launch hosted 20 selected participants from diverse backgrounds to undertake the project which will help create a conducive environment for human rights activists and journalists in Ghana.

The Project Lead of iWatch Africa, Nana Boakye-Yiadom highlighted the adverse effect normalizing cyberbullying could have on the country and called on participants to refine their social media interaction modules.

The initiative is supported by the Collaboration on International ICT Policy for East and Southern Africa (CIPESA), through the Africa Digital Rights Fund (ADRF).

iWatch Africa is among 14 organizations selected by CIPESA to advance digital rights in 18 different countries around the continent.

About iWatch Africa
iWatch Africa is a non-governmental media and policy organisation with considerable national repute and significance.

iWatch Africa has carved a niche in Ghana's policy and journalism environment by putting out objective, fact-based and independent assessment on many issues.

iWatch Africa tracks digital rights in Africa, trans-national organised crime, human rights abuse and government overall performance in Ghana.

Credit: iwatchafrica.org