By Hannah Barribilla
Journalists in the Upper East Region have been encouraged to widen their scope and amplify their voices on adolescent reproductive health, gender equality, and gender equity reporting. Renowned media consultant Mr. Kwesi Ghartey-Tagoe stressed the need for the media to give attention to gender issues.
“There are a lot of areas where even the policies we have in place are not being fully implemented. Therefore, if journalists come out and consistently talk about these things, duty bearers will sit up and begin to act,” he said.
The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE Ghana) held a three-day workshop in Bolgatanga to strengthen the media’s role in adolescent health and gender equity. The training, organized under the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project with support from Global Affairs Canada, aimed to enhance journalists’ skills in gender-sensitive reporting, ethical communication, and advocacy.
According to Mr. Ghartey-Tagoe, “Responsible reporting can drive social change. When journalists highlight solutions and amplify positive stories, it contributes directly to creating an environment where young people—especially girls—can make informed life choices. You can bring change and improve the SHARE project, ensuring that issues that affect the adolescent girl are brought to the fore.”
With teenage pregnancy and limited access to reproductive health information still pressing concerns in the Upper East Region, the media’s role is critical in shaping public opinion. Participants pledged to use their platforms across radio and print to provide accurate information, challenge harmful stereotypes, and promote narratives that empower adolescents.
