By Jones Anlimah
PLAN International Ghana has urged Journalists to prioritize responsible reporting on children, girls, and other vulnerable groups. Mr. Eric Ayaba, Head of Programme and Influencing at PLAN International Ghana, made the call during the 2026 Media Training held at Koforidua in the Eastern region.
The theme for training was “Journalism with Purpose: Reporting Responsibly on Children, Gender Equality, and Vulnerable Communities”.
Mr. Eric Ayaba, Head of Programme and Influencing at PLAN International Ghana, 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 recognize 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 the organization’s sustained engagement with media professionals over the past three years and the session aim to equip journalists with the knowledge and tools to report stories of children and vulnerable populations accurately and ethically. “Telling the story of children, girls, and vulnerable people is by itself a development issue. It is also about their rights and the public’s right to know,” he emphasized.
The 2026 Media Training provided a platform for participants to engage, learn, and strengthen their skills in ethical, gender-sensitive, and development-focused reporting. It also underscored the importance of dignity over headlines, safety over clips, and development over propaganda, urging media practitioners to avoid sensationalism and stereotyping.
He encouraged journalists to view children and young women as active agents of change, rather than passive subjects, and highlighted the importance of informed consent, ongoing consent, and protection of participants during reporting. “Your reportage should be more than now; it should be responsible, protective, and gender-sensitive,” he advised.
Mr. Ayaba was hopeful 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 said.
PLAN International Ghana has reiterated its commitment to building the capacity of journalists to report responsibly, ensuring that media coverage contributes to the protection, empowerment, and development of children, girls, and vulnerable communities across the country.
