Africa-Press – Ghana. The formal presentation of the Bawku Peace Mediation Report by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, to President John Dramani Mahama marks a critical moment in efforts to resolve one of Ghana’s most protracted conflicts.
Beyond the symbolism of the mediation process, the report ushers Ghana into a delicate reconciliation phase, where narratives, expectations and public understanding will shape the prospects for lasting peace.
At this stage, the role of the media becomes not just important, but decisive.
How the story of Bawku is told after mediation will influence whether reconciliation deepens or divisions resurface. Media framing during this period can either calm tensions or heighten anxieties, depending on the language, context and emphasis applied.
Research conducted in 2019 on the role of the media in conflict resolution, using the Dagbon chieftaincy conflict as a case study, offers relevant lessons for Ghana’s media today. The study analyses coverage by the Daily Graphic and Daily Guide, alongside in-depth interviews with senior journalists and editors.
The findings show that although the media is not part of formal mediation structures, it functions as an active, indirect actor in peace processes. This influence becomes especially pronounced in the post-mediation period, when emotions remain raw and interpretations of outcomes vary widely.
Experience from Dagbon demonstrates that peace agreements do not automatically translate into peace on the ground. The reconciliation phase is often the most fragile, characterised by high expectations, lingering mistrust and competing narratives about what the mediation outcomes mean.
During the Dagbon process, a number of media reports consciously emphasise calm, respect for traditional authority and the need for coexistence. This peace-oriented framing helps to shape public understanding, build confidence in the mediation process and reduce the likelihood of renewed violence.
However, the research also shows that where reports lack adequate context, rely on speculative commentary or frame developments as victories and defeats, tensions re-emerge quickly and threaten fragile gains.
These findings underscore the need for conflict-sensitive reporting guidelines within newsrooms. One key recommendation from the Dagbon study is for media organisations to formally document their ethics and norms for covering conflicts.
During the Dagbon mediation, many journalists apply conflict-sensitive principles instinctively rather than institutionally. While this reflects professional commitment, it also exposes gaps, as such practices depend largely on individual judgement and experience.
Documented editorial policies on conflict reporting provide clear guidance on language use, sourcing, framing and verification, particularly for younger journalists. They also promote consistency within newsrooms, ensuring that reporting does not send mixed signals that could inflame tensions.
In conflict situations, ambiguity can be dangerous. A single headline, poorly contextualised quotation or sensational framing can undermine months of mediation efforts. Conflict-sensitive reporting policies serve as guardrails, helping journalists navigate complex situations responsibly.
As Ghana continues to grapple with communal and chieftaincy conflicts, investing in codified conflict-reporting handbooks and editorial guidelines is no longer optional, but a peacebuilding necessity.
The Bawku Peace Mediation Report presents Ghana with an opportunity not only to address a long-standing conflict, but also to strengthen a national culture of peace. Whether that opportunity is realised will depend, in part, on how the media performs its role during the reconciliation phase.
The Dagbon experience shows that responsible journalism can support healing and coexistence. The challenge now is for Ghana’s media to apply those lessons deliberately, ethically and consistently, recognising that peace is sustained not by agreements alone, but also by the stories that are told.
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage
Princess Sekyere Bih is a communications and development professional and a graduate researcher whose work focuses on media, conflict, and peacebuilding in Ghana. She has researched the role of Ghana’s media in the Dagbon conflict resolution process.
Source: Ghana News Agency
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