By Franklin Asare-Donkoh
Plan International Ghana, a non-profit organisation that focuses on advancing children’s rights and equality for girls, has admonished media practitioners to move away from sensationalism and instead focus on ethical and responsible reporting that champions the rights of children and vulnerable groups.
The Head of Programme and Influencing at Plan International Ghana, Mr Eric Ayaba, made the call while addressing selected journalists from the Volta, Eastern, Oti and Greater Accra regions at a three-day training workshop currently underway in the Eastern Regional capital, Koforidua.
According to him, sensationalism and stereotypical journalism often undermine national development as well as the dignity of victims.
“We are here today to refine a practice that prioritises dignity over headlines, safety over clicks, and development over propaganda,” Mr Ayaba stated.
He urged journalists to use their platforms to hold power holders accountable and to amplify the voices of those in marginalised communities who vote in the hope of positive change.
The Head of Programme and Influencing at Plan International Ghana also highlighted challenges journalists face when victims or sources are unwilling or unable to share information.
“If, for any reason, the victim still does not want to talk, we must respect their choice and recognise that they may be going through a stressful situation. As journalists, we have to be watchful to get the right information at the right time,” he said.
He noted that his organisation’s sustained engagement with media professionals over the past three years aims to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools to report on children and vulnerable populations accurately and ethically.
“Telling the story of children, girls, and vulnerable people is in itself a development issue. It is also about their rights and the public’s right to know,” he emphasised.
Mr Ayaba encouraged journalists to view children and young women as active agents of change rather than passive subjects. He highlighted the importance of informed and ongoing consent, as well as the protection of participants during reporting.
“Your reportage should be more than now; it should be responsible, protective, and gender-sensitive,” he reiterated.
He expressed hope that the media training would foster active participation and equip journalists with the skills necessary for responsible and development-focused reporting.
“We aim to nurture better journalists who are committed to truth, accountability, and the protection of vulnerable communities,” he added.
Mr Ayaba emphasised that media reporting should align with the following principles:
Victim protection: Avoid judgmental language that blames vulnerable individuals for their circumstances.
Development focus: Highlight stories that contribute to the national development agenda rather than creating a sensationalised society.
Safeguarding: Uphold strict child protection and safeguarding principles in all investigative and routine reporting.
The theme for the training was “Journalism with Purpose: Reporting Responsibly on Children, Gender Equality, and Vulnerable Communities.”
