Category: Savanna News

Journalists have been entreated to ensure gender and cultural sensitivity in reporting especially on issues relating to equality and adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights.

David Kwesi Wi Ghartey-Tagoe, a communication for development practitioner and community radio initiator, observed that, while the media in Ghana highlight issues affecting adolescent reproductive health and rights as well as equality, they do so without ensuring gender and cultural sensitivity in some cases thus, reinforcing gender stereotypes and offending the sensibilities of their audience.

This inadvertently entrenches harmful beliefs and practices that thwart efforts to promote equality and reproductive health rights instead of eradicating them, he said.

He, therefore, called on journalists to ensure sensitivity in reporting on such matters.

“One of the purposes for trainings like these is to guide journalists to be able to be mindful about some of the things they talk about. They could still be reporting on these gender issues. They could be reporting on adolescent sexual issues. But they might not be aware that probably the angles they are taking or the language they are using might really offend some cultural sensibilities or offend other people,” he stated.

“But it’s not just presenting these stories. they should be presented in a way that will resonate with people and make people, at the end of the day, come to a certain recognition, all towards a particular particular change.”

Ghartey-Tagoe made this call at a training organized by the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) for selected journalists in the Upper East Region.

The 3-day training held at Ganass Hotel in Bolgatanga from March 26 to 28, 2025 forms part of the Sexual Health and Reproductive Education (SHARE) project being implemented since 2023 in collaboration with Right to Play, WaterAid and FHI 360.

The project has seen the training of 3 different cohorts of more than 60 journalists in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

About 20 journalists and information service workers benefited from the latest training.

Emmanuel Gazari, a senior field officer of FAWE Ghana said the training is part of the organization’s advocacy drive to eradicate harmful traditional practices and promote sexual reproductive health rights.

He indicated that the training is already getting results as beneficiaries are now shedding light on such matters.

“We’ve had stories, journalists taking up the task to report issues on SRHR. We have one which came up, and FAWE even stepped in to support the education of the young girl. I know another journalist who is following up on a defilement case as a result of this training,” said Gazari.

“And some of the regional awardees in the last GJ, even the previous one, and then the just ended one, have been beneficiaries of this training. And their stories are always on these issues, and then child rights issues.”

Ghartey-Tagoe noted that though there are many critical issues affecting equality and adolescent reproductive health rights in Ghana, they are often unreported because the media lack the competencies to spot and report them.

He is, thus, urging journalists and other media practitioners to deepen their knowledge on such matters in order to better highlight them.

Source: DREAMZFMONLINE.COM/ABDUL-GAFARU SALIFU

The presiding judge of the Tamale Circuit Court is His Lordship Francis Asobayiri. He has warned against using the constitutional right to free speech to disrespect traditional leaders.

He stressed the importance of respecting Ghana’s revered chieftaincy institutions and acknowledging that freedom of expression is a fundamental right.

During his address to the court, Justice Asobayiri emphasized the importance of adhering to traditional authority. Ghana’s 1992 Constitution recognizes customary law under Article 11.

He decided to impose a bond of good behavior on two individuals. They were Alhaji Baba Kadiago and Abdul Rahaman. This followed their defamatory comments aimed at the Overlord of Dagbon, Ya Naa Abukari II. His announcement came after this decision.

Both individuals were convicted for their public disparagement of the Ya Naa. Their disparagement occurred after he requested President John Dramani Mahama rename the Tamale International Airport as Gbewaa International Airport.

The public’s remarks were based on their objection to the suggested name alteration. Several individuals wanted the airport to keep its current name, Yakubu Tali International Airport.

Justice Asobayiri emphasized the significance of free speech but clarified that courts would not be utilized to stifle public opinion.

He encouraged people to share their opinions responsibly and respectfully. They should avoid resorting to insults. They should also avoid efforts to discredit established authority.

After the court’s decision, a delegation of influential individuals will travel to the Gbewaa Palace. The group is headed by the Chief of Choggu. They will show appreciation to the Overlord of Dagbon for his kindness.

The Northern Regional Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) is Alhaji Mohammed Samba. He previously made amends by apologizing to the Ya Naa. He did this on behalf of the two individuals.

The Dagbon Overlord accepted the apology. He explained that talks of renaming the airport were initiated during his meetings with former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.

He urged those involved to be more cautious with their words. In the future, he advised them to “go and sin no more.”

This case highlights the need to balance freedom of speech and respect for traditional authority within Ghana’s democratic system.

The Chief Imam joins in the plea for constructing an airport in the Upper East Region. This region has been lagging behind in development.

The Upper East Regional Chief Imam, Yousif Umar, has shown support for the call. He wants an airport to be built in the region. He emphasized its significance.

He firmly believes that the region is falling behind in terms of development. He hopes that essential developmental projects, such as an airport, will be prioritized. This will significantly improve the region’s appearance.

He called on all interested parties to support the region’s leaders in completing the project.

On Tuesday, the Chief Imam visited the airport project site. During this visit, he called for prayers to support clearing the land for construction. Alagumgube, a development group aiding in the project, has taken on the task of clearing the land.

The Regional Chief Imam prayed to protect those with good intentions for the region’s progress.

“When you look at our region, it looks as if we have been left behind in terms of development so we are all excited to have heard of this project. The airport is very necessary and I want to thank Alagumgube for all they are doing. I will urge them to continue and we have to commend them. We need the people in the region to support this initiative. I know no one will be against this project but we need their support to make this a reality,” he said.

Similarly, Reverend Moses Billa is an assistant pastor from the Amazing Power Church. He has voiced support for constructing an airport in the area.

Kusaug Youth Angry

President John Dramani Mahama is facing strong backlash from upset Kusasi youth (Kusaug Youth). This situation is due to the increasing tensions in the Bawku region.

As per the Kusaug youth, they gave a resounding vote to Mr. Mahama. They expected that his leadership would finally bring an end to the ongoing Bawku conflict. He committed to this resolution while on the campaign trail. However, they now lament that the President seems to have forgotten their struggle. Violence has intensified. Casualties have increased in the three months since he took office.

During a press briefing, members of the Kusaug Youth group expressed their overwhelming hope in the NDC. This came after hearing the President’s promise to bring a lasting solution to the Bawku conflict. They believed that the NDC would be their saviour. Therefore, they gave the party a zero. They voted for them in large numbers, representing Kusaug’s support.

“Mr President, when we heard your promise to bring a lasting solution to the Bawku conflict, we were overwhelmed with hope and thought the NDC was our saviour. That is why Kusaug gave the NPP zero and voted massively for the NDC,”…The said, at a press conference.

The President was reminded that he had previously recognized Naana Asigri Azorka II as the rightful chief of Kusaug. It was common knowledge that this was the case. Therefore, it was puzzling that the Bawku issue had not yet been resolved. His election into office was supported by their votes.

The group expressed disappointment over the deteriorating security in the region. They noted that instead of the promised peace, violence has risen during President Mahama’s term.

“Your Excellency, did you know that since you assumed office as President, more than 18 people, including women and children, have been killed in this Bawku conflict? Is that what you intended, Mr President?” …They bemoaned.

In a tone of deep disappointment, the Kusaug youth denounced President Mahama for leveraging their support for political gain. They also questioned why politicians exploit the Bawku conflict solely for votes. These politicians take no meaningful action towards resolving it.

“We now realise that politicians have been using the Bawku conflict for their own selfish political advantage. They keep deceiving us with false promises of peace just to win our votes.” …They further stated.

The group gave a strong warning, suggesting that there may be low voter turnout in upcoming elections.

“It will shock politicians to see empty ballot boxes in 2028 with not a single vote cast. We are tired of the lies and broken promises of politicians,” they concluded.

Are people fed up? Are people looking for long-lasting permanent solutions?