The Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation, Mr. Ketaman Emmanuel Evortepe, who also serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Fafaa 100.3 FM, has commended Duamenefa community reporters for their dedication to grassroots journalism and social intervention for community development.
He made the remarks during the Duamenefa Social Intervention Programme of Fafaa 100.3 Fm. He praised the reporters for their commitment to truth, accuracy, and responsible reporting. Mr. Evortepe noted that their work plays a vital role in amplifying local voices and highlighting development issues affecting the community.
According to him, the Fafaa 100.3 Fm’s “Duamenefa” community reporters are working seriously, and their efforts are being closely monitored and appreciated by the Foundation.
He explained that, 125 reporters were trained in three batches . They were duly certified and licensed to operate after the successful completion of one year online training at the Fafaa Institute of Media and Professional Studies facilitated by a lecturer from the Rutgers University, USA.
Mr. Evortepe also stated that some of the reporters are performing exceptionally well, noting that a number of them have shown great commitment by writing news stories seriously and consistently. He said their dedication to proper news writing reflects the quality of training they received and serves as a model for others.
He revealed that the community reporters have also received national recognition, particularly during the previous presidential election, where they were duly accredited by the Electoral Commission (EC) to cover the electoral process. Their professionalism during the elections demonstrated their seriousness and dedication to ethical journalism.
The reporters were duly sworn into office by a renowned legal luminary, Dr. Joseph Attipoe, who is also the Deputy Executive President of the Duamenefa Foundation. The inauguration, according to Mr. Evortepe, symbolizes the Foundation’s commitment to empowering local journalists and recognizing their contributions to community development.
He further stated that a meeting will soon be organized for the community reporters, adding that the Foundation has a special package prepared for those giving their best in serving the Fafaa 100.3 Fm’s “Duamenefa” community. Mr. Evortepe encouraged the reporters to continue working with professionalism, ethics, and dedication despite the challenges associated with community journalism.
Mr. Evortepe emphasized that the training received by the community reporters has significantly improved the quality of information disseminated within the Duamenefa community. He noted that their ability to gather facts, verify information, and report responsibly has helped reduce misinformation and strengthened public trust in community-based journalism.
He also highlighted that the collaboration between the Duamenefa Foundation, Fafaa 100.3 FM, and the Fafaa Institute of Media and Professional Studies is aimed at building a strong and credible local media system. Empowering community reporters with professional skills and recognition, he said, is essential to promoting development, accountability, and civic engagement at the grassroots level.
To further empower and strengthen their operations, His Excellency, Dr. Gabriel Kwamigah Tanko Atokple, also known as Torgbui Nyaxordeakorla I, who is a member of the Council of State representing the Volta Region, donated motorbikes to some of the community reporters to help them carry out their reporting more effectively.
Finally, Mr. Evortepe encouraged other young people in the community to take interest in media and communication, stating that community reporting creates opportunities for personal growth, leadership, and national service.
He assured that the Foundation will continue to invest in training, mentorship, and logistical support to ensure that community reporters remain effective and motivated in their work.
The community reporters expressed their gratitude for the recognition, describing it as a strong motivation to work harder and uphold high journalistic standards in serving the people of Duamenefa and the entire country.
By Hutor Dziwornu
Fafaa 100.3 FM, Dzodze
Editorial lead – Isabella Evortepe