ECOWAS trains journalists in Liberia to promote information integrity and counter fake news, misinformation, and disinformation in west Africa

Monrovia, Liberia – 25 November 2025: The ECOWAS Commission, through its Directorate of Communication, has conducted a two-day training for journalists and media practitioners in Liberia on how to strengthen information integrity; counter misinformation; disinformation; fake news and anti-democratic narratives in West Africa.

Organised by the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA), Code For Africa, and supported by the Government of Germany, the two-day training, held in Monrovia, on 24-25 November 2025, seeks to build a stronger, ethical and more resilient media landscape in West Africa.

The training covered a wide range of practical skills including fact-checking, open-source intelligence (OSINT), digital security, conflict-sensitive reporting, peace journalism, and media and information literacy (MIL) strategies. Participants also explored how artificial intelligence can be used to track and analyse harmful narratives. Forty (40) journalists from print, online and broadcast media platforms attended the training.

In his remarks, Dr Kojo IMPRAIM, Director, Media for Peace and Social Cohesion, MFWA, said, “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.”

In her goodwill message, the Chancellor and Deputy to the Ambassador of Germany in Liberia, Ms. Daniella WEBER, commended ECOWAS for conducting this series of training sessions in several countries in the sub-region. She reaffrimed  the commitment of the Government of Germany  towards supporting ECOWAS‘ ongoing efforts in tackling misinformation , disinformation and  anti-democratic narratives within the region.

“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.” WEBER said.

Declaring the workshop open on behalf of the ECOWAS President, H.E. Dr. Omar Alieu TOURAY,  ECOWAS Resident Representative in Liberia, Ambassador Josephine NKRUMAH said the  training was a crucial  step in strenghtening   democratic governance, reinforcing  peace and security and empowering  journalists to countert he pervasive threats of misinformation and disinformation that undermine the stability of the region.

“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 , Ambassador NKRUMAH  underscored the critical role of the media as an indespensable partner in strengthening political governance,  peace, security and stability of the region.

“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.”

The media training workshop in the Republic of Guinea followed successful trainings already held in Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Togo, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Beinin, and The

Gambia reflecting ECOWAS’ commitment to scale up capacity-building initiatives across the region. At the end of the training program scheduled to take place in all Member States, journalists are expected to be better equipped to identify and debunk disinformation, protect digital security, and champion peace, democracy, and inclusive development in the region.”