UniMAC-IJ students receive fact-checking training

Members of the Media and Information Literacy Club at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC) Institute of Journalism received a two-day fact-checking training in collaboration with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) and the Ghana Commission for UNESCO. The training took place on May 6 and 7, 2024, at the university's computer laboratory.

Dr. Lawrencia Agyepong, Head of the Department of Communication Studies, expressed pride in the club's collaboration with the Ghana Commission for UNESCO and MFWA in organizing the training for students.

She said, "The Department of Communication Studies is extremely proud to be part of the Media and Information Literacy Club in collaboration with the Ghana Commission for UNESCO and the Media Foundation for West Africa in organizing fact-checking training for students."

Dr. Agyepong highlighted the importance of media and information literacy during the upcoming election year, stating, "Given the fact that we are in a competitive election year and the use of digital platforms has become a part of campaigning effort for political parties, this means that the ability to critically consume and evaluate media and information is more crucial than ever."

Ama Serwah Nerquaye-Tetteh, Secretary-General of the Ghana Commission for UNESCO, joined virtually and delivered a video message.

She said, "The upcoming general election in Ghana presents a critical stage where the need for reliable information is paramount. As such, we must prioritize media, information, and critical thinking skills to combat disinformation and misinformation, especially in this digital age where misinformation and fake news spread like wildfire."

The training covered topics like understanding information disorder, propaganda narratives, promoting information hygiene in Ghana, fact-checking, and an introduction to Open Source Intelligence (OSINT) tools.

The sessions were facilitated by Stephen Tindi, a lecturer at UniMAC/GIJ and the club's patron, as well as representatives from Fact-Check Ghana.

Dr. Kodwo Jonas Anson Boateng, senior lecturer and head of the Department of Social Sciences, shared his thoughts on the training.

"I am happy that you are learning something new. It's been quite a history since the establishment of this Media Information Literacy Club. I met it through the initiative of Dr. Agyepong and Dr. Tabicca. I inherited it halfway and handed it over to your patron, Mr. Stephen Tindi," he said.

Dr. Boateng acknowledged the relevance of new technologies and artificial intelligence, stating, "We are hoping that as time goes on with these new technologies and software, as well as artificial intelligence coming up, we will still have some relevance in your profession. So briefly, I want to congratulate you and thank our esteemed sponsors as well."

Participant Oppong Peprah Justice praised the training saying, "I got to know how to use the necessary tools for fact-checking. The organizers have done well. I have learned how to use various fact-checking tools to detect whether a claim is true or false. I know that the skill I have acquired will help me to make a positive impact on our society by decreasing misinformation and disinformation."