iWatch Africa unveils DisinfoEye campaign to combat online harassment of journalists

Accra, Ghana  — iWatch Africa has officially launched DisinfoEye, a groundbreaking campaign aimed at tackling the rising tide of online disinformation, harassment, and abuse directed at women journalists in Ghana.This initiative is supported by Impact Amplifier.

In recent years, Ghana has experienced a notable increase in digital threats—particularly those targeting journalists, activists, and human rights defenders. Women journalists have become especially vulnerable to gender-based abuse, including threats of violence, doxing, and smear campaigns. These attacks are often strategically orchestrated to discredit journalism, silence critical voices, and erode public trust in the media.

According to UNESCO, more than 73% of women journalists globally have experienced some form of online harassment, with many African journalists facing increasingly coordinated attacks. In Ghana, these digital threats are worsened by limited institutional support, weak reporting mechanisms, and inadequate digital safety training in newsrooms, as highlighted by the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA).

DisinfoEye is iWatch Africa’s strategic response—designed to empower journalists, especially women, with the tools, training, and support necessary to navigate and counter online abuse and misinformation. This initiative is part of the organization’s broader commitment to defending digital rights and press freedom across the region.

As part of the DisinfoEye campaign, 20 journalists were selected to undergo intensive training in digital safety, fact-checking, and online harassment response. These journalists will act as focal points in their respective newsrooms, leading the establishment of Online Safety Units to track and respond to abuse and disinformation.

“The rise in coordinated online attacks against women journalists is alarming,” said Gideon Sarpong, co-founder of iWatch Africa. “DisinfoEye is a bold response that combines data, advocacy, and training to ensure the digital space does not silence those who hold power to account.”

Real-time digital platform for reporting and support

A core component of the campaign is the upcoming launch of an interactive digital platform that allows for real-time reporting and monitoring of online abuse and disinformation incidents. Journalists can anonymously report cases of harassment and receive timely support. The platform will also serve as a critical data resource for policy advocacy and coordinated stakeholder responses.

DisinfoEye is driven by strong partnerships with technology companies, human rights organizations, regulatory bodies, and media watchdogs. Data collected through the platform will be shared with these stakeholders to inform policy changes and tech interventions, ensuring a more secure online environment for journalists.

Digital campaign to reach over 5 million Ghanaians

Beyond the newsroom, DisinfoEye includes a nationwide digital awareness campaign aimed at reaching over 5 million citizens. The campaign features engaging videos, infographics, and interactive media to educate the public on the harms of disinformation and the importance of protecting women journalists online.

iWatch Africa envisions a democratic society where journalists—especially women—can work free from fear and intimidation. DisinfoEye is not only a response to immediate threats but a forward-looking initiative that redefines how digital safety and accountability are pursued in Ghana.

The launch of DisinfoEye represents a critical milestone in the fight against online abuse and disinformation in Ghana. Through a combination of training, real-time data tracking, public advocacy, and institutional collaboration, iWatch Africa is addressing both the symptoms and root causes of online violence.

By empowering journalists, establishing newsroom safety units, and promoting a culture of digital responsibility, DisinfoEye reinforces the message that no journalist—especially women—should be silenced, intimidated, or forced offline for doing their job.

The digital space must be a platform for constructive dialogue, not a weapon of harm—and with DisinfoEye, Ghana takes a bold and necessary step in that direction.

Source: iWatch Africa