The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has organized a two-day training session for journalists and media professionals in Liberia, aiming to improve information integrity and address the challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, fake news, and anti-democratic narratives in West Africa.
The event was held in Monrovia from November 24 to 25, 2025. It was organized by the ECOWAS Commission’s Directorate of Communication in partnership with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Code For Africa, and with support from the Government of Germany. The training is part of a broader effort to strengthen ethical standards and resilience within the region’s media sector.
Participants received instruction on various topics such as fact-checking, open-source intelligence (OSINT), digital security, conflict-sensitive reporting, peace journalism, and media and information literacy strategies. The program also included discussions on how artificial intelligence can be used to monitor harmful narratives. Forty journalists representing print, online, and broadcast outlets attended.
Dr Kojo IMPRAIM, Director of Media for Peace and Social Cohesion at MFWA, stated: “My strong conviction is that independent and quality journalism including a well-trained journalists can promote and empower citizens, and shape public dialogue on information integrity through countering misinformation and disinformation and other forms of information disorder that threaten peace and democratic stability in West Africa.”
Ms. Daniella WEBER, Chancellor and Deputy to the Ambassador of Germany in Liberia, praised ECOWAS for its ongoing training initiatives across several countries in the region. She reiterated Germany’s commitment to supporting ECOWAS’ efforts against misinformation: “I would like to express sincere appreciation to the ECOWAS Directorate of Communication for spearheading this initiative across several Member States. Their leadership in promoting information integrity demonstrates a deep commitment to building a more informed, connected, and resilient ECOWAS region.Germany, through GIZ, is proud to support ECOWAS in strengthening communications, building institutional capacity, and empowering those who safeguard public information. This partnership reflects our shared vision of a peaceful and prosperous region under the ECOWAS Vision 2050.”
Ambassador Josephine NKRUMAH opened the workshop on behalf of H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY, President of ECOWAS. She described the training as an important measure for reinforcing democratic governance as well as peace and security by empowering journalists: “Misinformation and disinformation not only distort public discourse but also erode trust in democratic institutions , fuels polarisation and can even spark violence.Therefore, this training is a direct response tot he rising tide of information disorder in West Africa and the Sahel. It reflects the insights from research and consultations that underscore the link between disinformation and ongoing conflicts in our region.”
In her closing remarks at the end of the training session Ambassador NKRUMAH emphasized: “ECOWAS Vision 2050 places a premium on building a peaceful, secure and inclusive region – a region in which democratic governance, social inclusion, sustainable development and developmental stewardship are mutually reinforcing. None of these aspirations can be achieved without a well-informed public, a resilient media and a commitment to factual, ethical and responsible reporting.”
This workshop follows similar sessions previously conducted in Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Togo, Sierra Leone, Ghana Benin,and The Gambia as part of an ongoing regional initiative by ECOWAS to enhance journalistic capacity throughout all member states.
At completion of these programs across all member countries,journalists are expected to have improved skills for identifying false or misleading content,safeguarding digital security,and advancing peace,demo cracy,and inclusive development within their societies.