Media Response-Ghana has called on journalists and media practitioners in West Africa to adopt balanced and contextual reporting on migration issues to help promote regional integration and reduce stigma against migrants.
Executive Director Samuel Dodoo said misconceptions about migration and ECOWAS free movement protocols continue to shape public discourse, often leading to fear-based narratives and misinformation.
He made the remarks during a workshop on Free Movement and Migration held at the Blue Sky Hotel in Bolgatanga on May 20, 2026.
The event brought together journalists, bloggers and communication officers for training in content creation and mini-video blogging focused on migration and regional mobility in West Africa.
Dodoo explained that ECOWAS free movement protocols do not abolish immigration controls or weaken national sovereignty, contrary to public misconceptions.
“Free movement within ECOWAS is not an open-border system without regulations,” he said. “It is structured and guided by agreed protocols, with responsibilities for both citizens and member states.”
He said member countries still have the right to enforce immigration laws, conduct border checks and deny entry where necessary under national legal frameworks.
Dodoo urged journalists to carefully verify information before using terms such as “human trafficking” or “illegal migration,” warning that careless language can reinforce harmful stereotypes and distort public understanding of migration realities.
He encouraged the media to highlight both the opportunities and challenges associated with migration instead of focusing solely on crisis-centered narratives.
According to him, responsible migration reporting should promote human dignity, accuracy and contextual understanding.
Dodoo added that effective migration governance depends on balancing security concerns with the facilitation of lawful movement across borders.
The workshop was organized by Media Response-Ghana with support from FMM West Africa as part of ongoing efforts to improve digital journalism skills and strengthen public awareness of migration issues within the ECOWAS sub-region.
