Story by, Paul Mensah Nsor
Accra, Ghana - The inaugural Ghana Communication Week and Awards has been unveiled, targeting the growing concern of social media misuse among Ghanaian youth. Led by Sandra Daniella Yeboah, CEO of the event, the initiative aims to educate and raise awareness about responsible digital communication.
The week-long event will feature a comprehensive program designed to address the challenges of digital platform usage, including a conference, stakeholder exhibition, and school tours. At the heart of the initiative is a critical examination of how social media is being misused, particularly by younger generations seeking followers, income, and popularity.
"Everyone now considers themselves a journalist," said Yeboah, highlighting the problematic trend of indiscriminate content creation and sharing. The event will bring together communication experts to discuss the implications of unrestricted social media use and its potential long-term consequences.
A key focus of the campaign is educating youth about the permanent nature of online content. Yeboah emphasized that social media posts can have lasting impacts, potentially affecting future career opportunities and personal reputation. "Social media doesn't decay," she warned, urging young people to be more mindful of their digital footprint.
The Communication Week will include interactive sessions, expert panels, and school outreach programs designed to promote responsible digital citizenship. Stakeholders from across the communication industry will participate in discussions about ethical social media use and its role in societal development.
The event represents a significant step in addressing the growing challenges of digital communication in Ghana, providing a platform for education, dialogue, and positive change in how social media is understood and utilized.
The Ghana Communication Week and Awards is set to be a landmark event in promoting responsible digital communication and media literacy in the country.
Rebecca Ekpe Ghana Journalist Association vice president highlighted the critical intersection of digital media, gender equity, and journalistic freedom. The event shed light on the growing challenges faced by women in the digital communication landscape, particularly the rising threat of AI-facilitated gender-based violence.
Rebecca Ekpe, GJA Vice President, emphasized the alarming trend of AI-generated deep fakes and digital disinformation targeting women journalists. "When you silence a female journalist online, it's like silencing 1000 voices," Ekpe warned, underscoring the profound impact of digital harassment on press freedom and gender equality.
The discussion delved into the complex nature of digital platforms, acknowledging their transformative potential while critically examining their negative consequences. Digital media offers unprecedented opportunities for information access, networking, and creative expression. However, it simultaneously presents significant risks, including addiction, cyberbullying, and the rapid spread of misinformation.
Key concerns raised include the emotional and psychological impacts of excessive digital media use, with speakers noting how constant digital engagement can lead to social isolation and decreased human connection. The spread of false information emerged as a critical threat, with references to global leaders like Maria Ressa, who described information integrity as "a war against humanity."
The presentation offered practical strategies for responsible digital citizenship, including:
- Setting boundaries on screen time
- Verifying information before sharing
- Using digital platforms purposefully
- Practicing online respect and kindness
- Reporting instances of harassment
Notably, the speakers emphasized the importance of protecting and amplifying women's voices in digital spaces. Drawing on the wisdom of educationist Dr. Kwe AGI, who famously stated, "If you educate a woman, you educate a nation," the discussion linked digital empowerment to broader social progress.
The event called for a collective approach to creating a more compassionate and equitable digital environment, urging participants to use digital platforms as tools for positive social change and to support marginalized voices.
As Ghana continues to navigate the complex digital landscape, this conversation marks a crucial step towards understanding and addressing the challenges of digital media in promoting gender equity and journalistic freedom.
