The President of the Federation of Human Rights Journalists|(FHRJ), Desmond Lamptey, has emphasized the need for journalists to prioritize human rights issues in their reporting, highlighting the success of a three-day training programme aimed at sensitizing journalists and student journalists on ethical human rights reportage.

Speaking at the close of the programme, Mr. Lamptey expressed satisfaction with the turnout and engagement, stating that the federation’s objective had been achieved.

"I think the target was achieved. The most important thing was to bring together journalists and student journalists to sensitize them on human rights reportage.

Our focus was particularly on student journalists because we want to instil these values in them before they go out into the field," he stated.

He noted that human rights stories often take a backseat to political and sports reporting, which has led to a gap in awareness and advocacy. According to him, the training aimed to address this imbalance by ensuring that journalists understand the significance of human rights reporting and its role in upholding democracy.

He announced that the federation plans to extend its training beyond the capital (Accra), reaching other regions to ensure a nationwide impact.

"This is a new federation, and we are committed to making sure that this initiative is not just a one-time event. We are planning to move the training beyond here so that we can reach journalists in other regions and educate them on human rights reporting.

Every year, we will organize a major conference dedicated to human rights journalism," he revealed.

He further stressed that human rights issues cannot be sidelined, as they are fundamental to maintaining democracy.

"If we want to keep the wheels of democracy going, then human rights must have a very important place in our reportage," he added.

He also urged journalists to ensure that the voices of the marginalized and vulnerable are heard in the media. He called on reporters to highlight the challenges faced by women, children, the elderly, and other disadvantaged groups in society.

"Journalists are the ones who create awareness in society, and we must not ignore human rights issues in our storytelling. We must amplify the voices of the voiceless, the marginalized, and the vulnerable—women, children, the aged—because they are all part of our society. If we see society as a system, then all aspects of it must work together for the greater good," he stated.

The three-day training programme, organized by the Federation of Human Rights Journalists in collaboration with the Embassy of Switzerland in Ghana, served as a platform to equip journalists with knowledge on international human rights standards, ethical reporting practices, and the role of media in advocating for justice and equality.

Some of the participants at the training expressed their appreciation to the Federation of Human Rights Journalists for organizing the programme, describing it as insightful and timely.

They highlighted how the sessions had broadened their understanding of human rights reporting and strengthened their commitment to ethical journalism.

"This training has been an eye-opener.

I have learned a lot about the importance of integrating human rights into everyday journalism, and I am eager to apply these lessons in my reporting," said one participant.

Another participant added,

"As a student journalist, I feel better equipped to approach stories with a human rights perspective.

This training has given me the confidence to focus on issues that truly matter and advocate for marginalized communities through my work."