FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Accra, Ghana – 10th February, 2026
Penplusbytes has launched the Caravan of Hope – Rural Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Ghana Pilot project, a nationwide initiative aimed at equipping rural communities with practical skills to identify, verify, and responsibly share information amid growing mis- and disinformation.
The project is being implemented between January and March 2026 across five districts in five regions: Shai Osudoku (Greater Accra), Kwahu Afram Plains South (Eastern), Ho West (Volta), Jasikan (Oti), and Tolon (Northern Region). The initiative targets rural women, young people, and low-literacy adults who are disproportionately affected by false information spread through word of mouth, community radio, and messaging platforms.
The Caravan of Hope adopts a mobile, culturally grounded approach, using a travelling roadshow model that combines radio drama, animated videos, skit performances, pictorial flipbooks, and facilitated discussions delivered directly in town squares, markets, and community centres. The project is designed to reach people where they are, using low-text, local-language formats that ensure accessibility and inclusion.
The pilot is expected to directly reach 1,000 to 2,000 community members across 10 to 15 rural communities, with an estimated 50,000 additional listeners reached through community radio broadcasts. At least 60 per cent of direct beneficiaries will be women and girls. The project will also train about 50 local facilitators, volunteers, and radio hosts, creating pathways for continued MIL education beyond the project period.
In addition to community engagements, the Caravan of Hope will generate evidence on the effectiveness, cost, and inclusion outcomes of mobile MIL delivery in rural settings.
This project is implemented by Penplusbytes, in partnership with DW Akademie and with support from the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The initiative is being implemented in partnership with District Assemblies, the Information Services Department (ISD), community radio stations, and local civil society organisations, ensuring strong local ownership and sustainability.
Penplusbytes remains committed to leveraging media innovation, civic technology, and inclusive education to counter disinformation and empower citizens. The Caravan of Hope project aligns with the organisation’s broader mission to promote democratic governance, social cohesion, and informed civic participation across Ghana and Africa.
For updates, stories from the field, and project highlights, follow Penplusbytes on its social media platforms.
For any press enquiries, please contact
Mercy Aba Blankson
Email: aba.blankson@penplusbytes.org
Tel: +233 (0) 302 922620/1, +233 (0) 302 798995
Location: 20 Oshie Road, Osu Ako-Adjei, Accra, Ghana
About Penplusbytes www.penplusbytes.org
Penplusbytes is a not-for-profit organisation driving change through innovations in three key areas: using new digital technologies to enable good governance and accountability, new media and innovations, and enhancing media oversight for effective utilisation of mining, oil and gas revenue and resources.
