By: Mohamed Sahr
In a bid to safeguard democratic spaces, the Editor of A-Z Newspaper, Mohamed Sahr, honored for his participation in a two-day intensive training on countering misinformation and disinformation. The training, held at the Atlantic Hotel from 25th to 26th September 2025, was designed to strengthen the capacity of journalists in upholding accuracy, accountability, and professionalism in the media.
Sahr expressed his excitement and appreciation for taking part in the ECOWAS-CEDEAO capacity-building workshop, which focused on information integrity and the fight against misinformation and disinformation in West Africa. He acknowledged the support of GIZ Sierra Leone and Liberia, as well as the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), in organizing the event.
The workshop aimed to equip journalists with the essential tools and knowledge needed to identify misinformation actors, understand their influence, and counter anti-democratic narratives. Sahr highlighted that the training provided hands-on experience in areas such as fact-checking, open-source intelligence (OSINT), digital security, and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to track and analyze harmful narratives. The program also covered conflict-sensitive reporting and the principles of peace journalism.
Sahr emphasized that this collaborative effort represents a significant step in strengthening the media’s capacity to navigate the increasingly complex information landscape in West Africa. He noted that by empowering journalists with the necessary skills to report accurately and responsibly, the initiative contributes to safeguarding information integrity, promoting peace, and supporting democratic governance in the region.
At the conclusion of the training, Sahr stated that journalists would be better equipped to analyze and debunk disinformation, conduct ethical investigations into human rights abuses, and hold perpetrators accountable. The workshop also reinforced the importance of upholding the highest ethical standards in journalism while ensuring digital safety and security.
“I extend my deep gratitude to Dr. Francis Sowa, Esq., (PhD) and Victor Jones for sharing their profound knowledge during the training,” Sahr said.
He also extended special thanks to ECOWAS-CEDEAO, GIZ Sierra Leone and Liberia, and the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) for their unwavering commitment to supporting good governance, independent and pluralistic media, and sustainable development.