A lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC), Dr. Stephen Tindi, has urged journalists to report migration issues with greater sensitivity and from a rights-based perspective to help shape public understanding and guide policy decisions.
Speaking during a media training on migration, Dr. Tindi said journalists play a crucial role in how society perceives migration and migrants, yet many stories fail to capture the full picture due to limited knowledge or misuse of language.
“Although migration issues exist in our society, we do not hear much about them because journalists have not reported widely on them,” he said. “Most of the migration stories we read show the need to improve journalists’ skills, such as the correct use of terminology and inclusion of diverse voices.”
He explained that the use of inappropriate terms to describe migrants can have lasting consequences, reinforcing stereotypes and discrimination.
“Regardless of the circumstances migrants find themselves in, they are human beings. It is important for journalists to adopt a rights-based approach and tell stories that reflect their humanity, even in irregular situations,” he added.
Dr. Tindi emphasised the need to train journalists to better understand migration terminology and approaches that promote empathy and accuracy. “There is no better way to shape public understanding of migration than by influencing how journalists construct migration narratives,” he said.
The training, organised with support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), sought to enhance journalists’ capacity to report responsibly on migration issues in Ghana and beyond.
IOM Programme Support Officer, Camilla Taranta, said the session was designed to promote integrity, fairness, and empathy in migration reporting.
“Let us use this opportunity to learn from one another, to challenge assumptions, and to reaffirm our shared commitment to truth, fairness, and the fundamental rights of all people on the move,” she said.
Some participating journalists described the training as insightful and transformative.
A reporter with the Daily Guide, Eric Kombat, said the workshop deepened his understanding of migration reporting and the importance of correct language use.
“It was fascinating learning the right words and terminologies. Until this training, I never knew using words like ‘illegal migration’ was wrong. This is a new chapter in my reporting on migration,” he said.
The media training forms part of ongoing efforts by IOM and its partners to improve migration communication and promote balanced narratives that protect human dignity.
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