The MOU formalises a strategic partnership between KAIPTC, a leading ECOWAS training centre of excellence in conflict prevention, management, and peacebuilding, and KCC, a communication consultancy and think tank specialising in research, strategic communications, media training, and programme implementation.

The partnership aligns with KAIPTC’s objective of strengthening strategic partnerships and networking to advance peace and security in Africa.

It reflects a shared commitment to addressing the growing challenges of misinformation, disinformation and conflict-sensitive reporting in the sub-region.

The partnership ultimately seeks to institutionalise best practices in media ethics, strengthen dialogue between journalists and security agencies, and create a framework for evidence-based reporting, which supports peace and security through training and capacity building.

The Commandant of the KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Anetey Akrong, and the Director of KCC, Princess Sekyere-Bih, signed on behalf of their respective institutions. 

Stronger collaboration

At a brief signing ceremony in Accra, Mrs Sekyere-Bih pointed out the urgent need for stronger collaboration between the media and security actors.

She stated that the initiative stemmed from years of observing how gaps between the two sectors often escalated tensions and weakened public trust.

"This partnership marks an important step toward empowering the media to contribute more meaningfully to peace and stability.

"By equipping journalists with practical skills and facilitating structured engagement with security agencies, we aim to advance the relationship between the media and security actors, promote trust, accuracy, and responsible reporting in contexts where misinformation and conflict sensitivities are high," Mrs Sekyere-Bih explained. 

Mandate and vision

For his part, Air Commodore Akrong highlighted the alignment of the partnership with the centre’s mandate and long-term vision.

"As an institution that seeks to be the leading and preferred international centre for training, education, and research focused on ensuring a peaceful and secure Africa, this partnership directly supports our mission.

"We are committed to working together to ensure that media actors are better equipped to report responsibly, combat misinformation, and contribute to sustainable peace in the region," he stated.

Air Commodore Akrong explained that the initiative would further strengthen structured engagement between the media and security actors, enhance research-driven knowledge sharing, and provide practical tools that reinforce journalists’ roles in promoting accountability and peace across the sub-region.

Targeted training

The partnership will see both organisations develop and implement the Media, Peace, and Security Initiative, providing targeted training and capacity-building opportunities for media and security actors across the sub-region.

This will equip journalists and security personnel with practical skills in conflict-sensitive reporting, ethical journalism and peace building.

The project will also facilitate structured engagement between media and security agencies, encourage evidence-based knowledge sharing to combat misinformation, and reinforce digital security for journalists and media institutions, ensuring they can report responsibly and contribute effectively to peace and stability.