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Ghanaian civil society organisations, affiliated to the West Africa Action Network on Small and Light Weapons (WAANSA-Ghana), to host evening media engagement and dinner on Friday, February 22, to discuss the critical role of the media in shaping national discourse on small arms and light weapons.
The engagement and dinner strictly by invitation would be attended by media practitioners, including senior editors, show host, security experts, and national security stakeholders to explore effective reporting strategies and best practices in covering small arms and light weapons. It is being organized by WAANSA Ghana which forms part of the implementation of the Saving Lives Entity (SALIENT) FUND PROJECT, which is a comprehensive initiative aimed at combating the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.
The project is implemented under the leadership of the UN Resident Coordinator by UN agencies (UNDP and UNODC) working in collaboration with the Government of Ghana in collaboration with WAANSA Ghana, the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), the National Commission for Small Arms and Light Weapons.
Mr Leonard Tettey, UNDP National Project Coordinator explained that “Media practitioners have the power to shape the narrative on small arms and light weapons, and it’s essential they approach this topic with sensitivity, accuracy, and responsibility.”
“The SALIENT FUND PROJECT aims to promote peace and security by addressing the proliferation of small arms and light weapons. The media is a critical partner in this endeavour, and we are committed to supporting journalists in their reporting on this issue,” he added. Mr Tettey explained that the SALIENT Fund is a United Nations funding facility, located within the Peacebuilding Fund, dedicated to supporting Member States tackle armed violence and illicit small arms and light weapons as part of a comprehensive approach to sustainable security and development.
Mr Francis Ameyibor, WAANSA Ghana National Executive Member and a seasoned media practitioner explained that security experts would lead the discussion on the “Role of the Media in Shaping National Discourse on Small Arms Control.” Other issues to be discussed over dinner during the encounter includes exploring the tenets of “Effective Reporting on Small Arms and Light Weapons: Challenges and Best Practices,” and dive into discussion on the “Current law on small arms and light weapons and gaps identified,” and what the National Small Arms Bill 2023 seeks to do.
Mr Ameyibor who is also the Vice President of West Africa Network of Journalists for Security and Development noted that participants would also share best practices and challenges in reporting on small arms and light weapons. He explained that the media engagement and dinner underscored the organizers’ acknowledgement of the importance of responsible and accurate reporting in shaping national discourse on small arms and light weapons.
“As the SALIENT FUND PROJECT continues to address this critical issue, the media remains a vital partner in promoting peace, security, and informed public discourse,” Mr Ameyibor noted. Mr Ken Kinney, WAANSA Ghana President acknowledged that the media pplaed a pivotal role in shaping public perception and influencing policy decisions on small arms and light weapons.
He said responsible and accurate reporting was crucial in preventing the proliferation of misinformation and promotion a nuanced understanding of the issue. “Journalists must prioritize fact-based reporting, citing credible sources, and avoiding sensationalism to ensure informed public discourse,” Mr Kinney noted.
Source: GNA
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