African media stakeholders convene in Accra for annual confab

Over 2,000 media practitioners, policymakers, scholars, and stakeholders from across the African continent have converged in Accra this week for the 3rd African Media Convention (AMC), a landmark event aimed at shaping the future of African media.

Under the theme "Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis in Africa," the conference is a three-day event that promises to be a crucible of ideas and initiatives aimed at addressing one of the continent's most pressing challenges.

The convention kicked off today, May 15, 2024, amidst a palpable sense of anticipation at the Labadi Beach Hotel. Delegates from across the African continent, alongside esteemed international guests, gathered to engage in robust discussions on the intersection of media and the environment.

In her opening and welcome address, Minister for Information-designate, Fatimatu Abubakar, set the tone for the conference. As Co-Chair of the Local Organizing Committee, she underscored the paramount importance of a free and vibrant media in Africa.

"The role of the media in informing the citizenry cannot be overstated," she remarked, highlighting the crucial mandate of journalists in addressing environmental issues.

Acknowledging the significant support from Ghana's leadership and the immediate past sector minister, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, Minister Abubakar expressed gratitude for ensuring the seamless organization of the convention.

She extended a warm welcome to members of the Ghana Journalists Association and media personnel from across the continent, hailing their attendance as a testament to the convention's significance.

A highlight of the day was the panel discussion on dis/misinformation on the climate crisis, which saw experts dissecting the challenges posed by misinformation in the age of social media. Journalists and media practitioners exchanged insights on strategies to combat false narratives and amplify accurate information on environmental issues.

The convention also provided a platform for networking and collaboration, with delegates seizing the opportunity to forge new partnerships and initiatives aimed at advancing environmental journalism across the continent.

As the convention enters its second day, discussions will delve into key topics central to the theme. Sessions will be on Freedom of Expression, Sustainable Development, and Gender Equality, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the environmental crisis in Africa and the role of media in addressing it.

Day three of the conference will have participants turn their attention towards actionable outcomes and impact-oriented initiatives. Sessions on Environmental Journalism and the Environment as well as high-level discussions with ministers and officials from various African countries will chart a path forward for media engagement on environmental issues.

On his part, the President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Kwabena Dwumfuor emphasized the imperative of translating discussions into tangible actions.

He said the true measure of the success of the gathering lies in the concrete steps stakeholders take to implement the solutions raised during the discussions.