‘Media literacy critical for content creators’

Story: Abdulai SAAKA, Accra

Influencer Africa, in collaboration with the University of Ghana’s Department of Communication Studies has hosted an impactful discussion centered on the theme “Influencing, Conscious Activism, and Elections.”

The event brought together media professionals, influencers, and academics to address the evolving role of social media and activism in shaping public opinion, elections, and broader social discourse.

Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), delivered a keynote address, emphasizing the transformative power of new media in shaping elections and influencing activism. Dwumfour highlighted the crucial responsibility that influencers, bloggers, and content creators hold in today’s media landscape, particularly in the lead-up to elections.

He introduced the New Media Association, a pioneering initiative aimed at bringing together various digital content creators to raise professional standards and promote ethical practices in the digital space.

“New media platforms wield immense power to either inform or misinform the public,” Dwumfour noted. He stressed the importance of accurate information in media, stating, “We gather information, process it, and put it out there as news. If the information is harmful, it harms the citizens.” The GJA president highlighted the need for robust digital and media literacy, especially among influencers and bloggers, to ensure that content being shared is credible, accurate, and serves the public interest.

Dwumfour also praised the collaboration between Influencer Africa and the University of Ghana, calling the event a “critical initiative” that should be sustained to continue raising awareness about the responsibility media practitioners hold in shaping public discourse. He emphasized the importance of training content creators in media ethics and literacy, pointing out that this would empower them to contribute to a more informed, peaceful society.

Renowned social media influencer Joshua Boye-Doe, popularly known as Kalyjay, also took the stage to discuss the state of media discourse on social platforms, with a focus on rising tensions around issues of identity and nationality. Kalyjay raised concerns about the growing tribalist undertones in online conversations, particularly on platforms like Twitter (X), where discussions sometimes escalate into clashes between people of different nationalities and ethnic groups.

He stressed the need for tolerance and inclusivity in online spaces, urging Ghanaians to resist the temptation to stereotype or marginalize others based on their background. “I accept everybody; we must be tolerant of one another,” Kalyjay emphasized, advocating for open dialogue and mutual respect. He further highlighted that while it is natural to take pride in one’s heritage, this should not lead to the denigration of others. “It becomes a problem when you try to belittle the other tribe or the other religion just to say you’re the best,” he warned, urging influencers and social media users alike to promote unity.

Kalyjay’s remarks resonated strongly with the audience, reinforcing the idea that national unity can only be achieved through respect for diversity and open communication. He also expressed the commitment of the New Media Association to work closely with influencers and content creators to ensure that their platforms remain credible and foster healthy, constructive public conversations.

The event featured several panel discussions with key influencers and media professionals, focusing on the critical intersection between media, activism, and elections. The speakers highlighted the crucial role of media professionals and influencers in promoting inclusivity, responsibility, and ethical practices. As Ghana gears up for another election cycle, these discussions around media integrity, activism, and public responsibility remain timely and essential in shaping the nation’s democratic processes. The partnership between Influencer Africa and the University of Ghana’s Department of Communication Studies signals a growing recognition of the power media holds in shaping not only elections but also broader societal values. As both digital platforms and traditional media continue to evolve, the importance of maintaining credibility, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring that the information shared is responsible and accurate cannot be overstated.