WAANSA Ghana and UNDP’s SALIENT Project have strengthened media capacity to support Ghana’s arms control efforts through a specialized workshop in Tamale.
The training equipped journalists with technical knowledge and reporting skills to effectively cover small arms proliferation issues and advocate for the National Arms Bill 2023’s passage.
Ghana’s struggle with illicit small arms – which have exacerbated conflicts in various regions – prompted the collaborative initiative. The proposed legislation introduces comprehensive reforms to address systemic weaknesses in arms governance, including enhanced regulation and enforcement mechanisms.
“Media professionals serve as crucial partners in mobilizing public support for effective arms control,” noted a WAANSA representative during the workshop. Participants examined the bill’s key provisions and discussed strategies for balanced, impactful reporting on small arms issues. The training emphasized the media’s role in translating technical policy matters into accessible public discourse while maintaining factual accuracy.
The UNDP-sponsored initiative reflects growing international support for Ghana’s security sector reforms. With similar workshops planned for other regions, the program aims to create a network of journalists capable of sustaining informed national dialogue on arms control – a critical step toward curbing weapon-related violence and strengthening community safety.
As Ghana’s parliament prepares to debate the landmark legislation, this media engagement demonstrates how strategic partnerships can amplify policy advocacy. The training’s focus on both reporting skills and substantive arms control knowledge positions journalists to not just cover, but constructively shape one of Ghana’s most pressing security discussions.
