By Hassan Solokoh Bockarie
In a significant step towards strengthening media integrity, the ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Communication, hosted a two-day training workshop for Sierra Leonean journalists aimed at tackling misinformation, disinformation, and anti-democratic narratives. This initiative, in partnership with GIZ Organizational Development (OD) Program and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), took place from September 25th to 26th, 2025.
The workshop focused on promoting Media and Information Literacy (MIL) by equipping journalists and media practitioners with vital skills and tools to effectively identify and combat misinformation. By emphasising conflict-sensitive reporting, the training seeks to foster democracy, peace, and good governance across the West African sub-region.
Participants were equipped with enhanced skills to recognise and counter disinformation while boosting their fact-checking capabilities. The training introduced advanced methodologies such as Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) and artificial intelligence tools for narrative analysis. Additionally, it aimed to improve investigative reporting on human rights concerns and support conflict-sensitive, peace-oriented journalism.
Moreover, the workshop highlighted the crucial role of Media Information Literacy (MIL) in empowering audiences and cultivating a well-informed public. A key outcome is the strengthening of collaboration between ECOWAS and media professionals, facilitating the sharing of best practices to further advance peace, democracy, and good governance in the region.
Closing the workshop on behalf of ECOWAS, H.E. Ambassador John Asumah, the ECOWAS Resident Representative in Sierra Leone, reiterated the organization’s commitment to supporting Member States and media practitioners through innovative partnerships, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and integrity in the information landscape of the region.
Barbara Kirsch, representing GIZ on behalf of the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), emphasised their shared vision with ECOWAS for a peaceful, stable, and collaborative region where robust and independent media serve as a cornerstone of society.
