Prominent Ghanaian journalist and human rights activist, Joseph Kobla Wemakor, has been chosen to participate in the esteemed Fortifying the Truth Cohort by WITNESS, a global human rights organization committed to empowering individuals to utilize video and technology in safeguarding human rights.
Wemakor stood out among applicants for the Training of Trainers Workshop on visual verification through a community-based approach, securing a place alongside 17 passionate journalists and frontline human rights defenders in West Africa.
His innovative project proposal and dedication to fortifying the truth and combating detrimental narratives captured the selection committee’s attention, earning him a coveted spot in this prestigious cohort.
The cohort finalists will undergo an intensive three-day training in community-based digital verification techniques at the Envoy Hotel in Abuja, Nigeria, from May 29th to 31st, 2024.
Jacquelyn Jasper-Ikpendu, Program Assistant for Africa at WITNESS, expressed enthusiasm for Wemakor’s vision and pledged support in a congratulatory letter on his selection.
This opportunity not only enables Wemakor to enhance his skills but also facilitates networking with colleagues from across Africa, promoting idea sharing and mutual learning within the vibrant cohort.
This recent achievement further enriches Wemakor’s impressive track record of substantial contributions to human rights advocacy and journalism.
Wemakor’s commitment to excellence and innovation was evident in his inclusion among 30 distinguished African human rights defenders for the Human Rights Training of Trainers in Tanzania last October, as well as his recognition among 25 science and health reporters in Ghana for specialized training in infectious disease reporting and health-related issues by the Centre for Science and Health Communication in May 2023.
His dedication to environmental awareness and outstanding journalism, showcased at the 2019 African Climate Risks Conference in Ethiopia, underscores his commitment to amplifying marginalized voices and addressing crucial issues.
Furthermore, his participation in influential workshops like the Bloomberg Media Initiative Africa Financial Journalism Program in Ghana in 2019 and the Afreximbank Media Workshop on Intra-African Trade in Casablanca, Morocco, in 2018, has broadened his professional horizons and affirmed his commitment to impactful storytelling and journalistic integrity.
Joseph Kobla Wemakor, a well-known human rights advocate, humanitarian, and influential journalist in Ghana, serves as the founder and executive director of Human Rights Reporters Ghana (HRRG), an organization dedicated to defending the rights of marginalized communities in society.
Aside from his numerous accolades and awards highlighting his steadfast commitment to social justice and equality, Joseph has won the 5th UN Global Entreps Awards, been a nominee for the African Defenders Shield Award in 2023, and received the Africa Peace Advocates Award in 2023.
WITNESS, the international human rights organization enabling individuals to leverage technology and video in upholding human rights, plays a crucial role in recognizing and supporting individuals like Wemakor who strive to use their work to positively impact society.
