Mobile Web Ghana in collaboration with the United States Embassy in Ghana launched an initiative dubbed “Youth Media Literacy Program” on Friday, 9th December 2022. The program focuses on empowering the youth to make informed judgments about fake news, and how to use media tools responsibly to solve problems in communities. The key objective of this program is to increase the capacity of youths to understand and consume media content wisely, create and circulate media content responsibly.
The event to kick off the Youth Media Literacy Program was held at the premises of Mobile Web Ghana and featured representatives from the United States Embassy in Ghana and students from 5 Star University College as well as the Ghana Institute of Journalism. Representatives from organizations such as Dubawa Ghana, Penplusbytes, Thinking Minds Ghana, Newsbridge Africa, and Curious Minds were also in attendance alongside other invited guests.
The launch gathered key players in the area of media to speak at a panel discussion on media literacy moderated by Florence Toffa, Director of Mobile Web Ghana. Speaking at the panel discussion, Jonas Nyabor of iJourno Africa highlighted the need for verification of information before consumption. “The beginning of media literacy will be the knowledge of the fact that everything put on the internet was put there by someone, hence there is a need to verify the information”. He also added that deciding not to share a piece of wrong information saves a large number of people.
Similarly, Regina Asamoah of Atinka Media Village also entreated the audience to look out for information and purchase from credible sources. Nehemiah Attigah of Odekro, urged the audience to be responsible for a better society, one that is devoid of misinformation and disinformation. Adding on to the discussion, Efo Korku Mawutor, reiterated the need to verify every piece of information. “ Whatever a piece of information is, stop, read and verify it. You are wise enough to know if it is true or not”.
Speaking at the launch, the Director of Mobile Web Ghana, Florence Toffa noted that a total of sixteen (16) sessions would be organized during the course of this project. According to her, online sessions would be organized on platforms such as Zoom and Facebook live, whilst in-person sessions would be conducted on the premises of Mobile Web Ghana. She also indicated that sessions would cover topics such as misinformation, new media, digital rights, and digital literacy amongst others.
Rita Awuku , Public Affairs Section/American Spaces – U.S. Embassy, Ghana, and Michelle Cloud, American Spaces Coordinator, on behalf of the United States Embassy in Ghana and Mobile Web Ghana, officially launched the Youth Media Literacy Program after a brief presentation had been given. Among the program outline was a networking and photo session to commemorate the launch.
