MFWA holds workshop to reduce media violations, promote journalist-security agency collaboration

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has organized a workshop to promote proper collaboration between journalists and security agencies, with the goal of reducing violations against the media.

 Held as part of MFWA’s 25th anniversary activities, the workshop brought together journalists, security agencies, and journalism students to better understand their roles and work together professionally.

Speaking at the event, MFWA’s Senior Director and Head of Operations, Dora Boamah Mawutor, revealed that the media recorded 89 violations over the past five years, including arbitrary arrests, detention, physical attacks, threats, harassment, and intimidation.

She noted that security agencies alone were responsible for 20 attacks against journalists between 2020 and 2025, describing the situation as unacceptable.

Ms. Mawutor explained that the workshop aimed to help security agencies allow journalists to work efficiently without unnecessary interruptions.

 She stressed that both the media and security agencies play important roles in protecting press freedom and maintaining national stability.

During the workshop, journalists shared their experiences of being assaulted while working.

 Erastus Asare Donkor of the Multimedia Group recounted incidents of seizure of equipment, detention, and physical attacks.

 Nicholas Osei Wusu of Garden City Radio also shared his experience of being assaulted and not getting justice.

Responding to concerns, Ashanti Regional Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Godwin Ahenyo, urged journalists to identify themselves properly when covering events and report facts accurately, avoiding bias.

Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Jacob Agyenim Boateng