ICI organised a two day training on the issue of child labour in cocoa-growing for Ghanaian journalists and a follow up talk shop between the journalists and representatives of communities in Koforidua (New Juabeng Municipality) in early August.
The main purpose for this activity was to build the capacity of the journalists regarding child labour and child protection and to promote interactions between them and the communities working towards child centred community development.
According to Prince Gyamfi, the Deputy National Coordinator and Programme Coordinator of ICI, the interaction is a way for the communities to tell their story. He added that this was not a one off activity, but rather something that ICI has started and wants to promote at both the national level and in all its areas of operation to increase coverage on child protection issues.
At the end of the training, some of the journalists had this to say:
"My expectation was to know what child labour issues were and what it is made up of. The two day training has clarified this for me. I now know the role I have to play, as a journalist, to promote national development in a positive way. The knowledge gained is going help me to produce better rural stories as I now have a better understanding of the issues." Yvonne Neequay, Eastern Regional correspondent for TV3 Network.
“Before my participation in this workshop, I was expecting to have an in-depth knowledge of Child labour and its various concepts. I now have a better grasp of concepts like child labour, forced labour and child protection. I pray that these sessions are frequently organised for journalists all over the country. This workshop has equipped me to move into those cocoa growing areas to investigate and come out with the stories on child labour to promote its elimination.” Mac Anthony Dadgenga, Eastern Regional correspondent for Class FM.
“Initially, I didn’t know much about the issue of child labour. That was what motivated me to participate in this workshop. I can confidently say I have learnt a lot and is going to help me in my reportage. I know have a better understanding of child labour in the Ghanaian context and this will help me in my profession. I will make the handout received during the training available to my colleagues at the office to ensure that they also have a better understanding of the concept.” George Folley, Eastern Regional correspondent for Daily Graphic.
List of media present:Gh One, UTV, TV3, Adom FM, Kingdom FM, Bryt FM, Ghana News Agency, Daily Graphic, Peace FM and Class FM