ECOWAS Equips Togolese Journalists with Trainihg Skills to Tackle Misinformation and Safeguard Democracy.
By Raymond Enoch
Misinformation and disinformation have become powerful threats to peace and democracy in West Africa. While misinformation spreads falsehoods unknowingly, disinformation is deliberately crafted to deceive and divide. As these harmful narratives grow online and offline, the need for media literacy and fact-check based journalism has equally become more urgent
The Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS) in a decisive move to combat the growing threat of misinformation, fake news, and disinformation across West Africa, has launched a two-day intensive training for journalists and media professionals in Lome, the Capity of the Republic of Togo.
Organised in collaboration with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), the workshop—began today October 16th 2025 to 17th, 2025—focuses on strengthening information integrity and promoting responsible journalism in an era of digital disruption and information disorder.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mr. Joel Ahofodji, Acting Director of Communication at the ECOWAS Commission, emphasized the importance of equipping media professionals with tools to navigate today’s complex information landscape. He stressed that the training aims to develop journalists’ capacity in fact-based reporting, investigative journalism, and conflict-sensitive communication that supports peace and democratic values across the subregion.
“Promoting media literacy and countering disinformation are essential for democratic consolidation and social cohesion in West Africa,” Mr. Ahofodji stated.
Representing the President of ECOWAS, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, at the training workshop, Mr. Wanyou Ouraga Jerome, Political Advisor and Focal Point for Early Warning Management at the ECOWAS Permanent Representation in Togo, underscored the media’s vital role in achieving ECOWAS Vision 2050.
“The media has a unique responsibility to inform, educate, and unify. Your work is central to promoting peace, security, good governance, and regional integration,” he told participants.
The workshop highlights ECOWAS’ renewed commitment to strengthening democratic institutions, addressing the spread of harmful narratives, and ensuring the media remains a powerful tool for truth, accountability, and unity in West Africa.
With rising concerns over manipulated content and its impact on democratic processes, ECOWAS’ initiative is seen as timely and critical—especially as the region prepares for upcoming elections and continues to navigat complex socio-political challenges.
