Effective date: May 2025
The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) is committed to protecting your privacy. This policy outlines how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information when you engage with our website, subscribe to our newsletters, participate in our events, or interact with us in any other way.
1. Who we are
The MFWA is a regional independent, non-governmental organisation based in Accra, Ghana. We work to promote and defend the right to freedom of expression, media freedom, digital rights, and access to information across West Africa. This policy applies to all users of our digital platforms and services.
2. What information we collect
We collect personal data that you provide directly to us, including:
- Your name, email address, phone number, and organisation
- Information you provide when signing up for our mailing list, registering for events, or submitting a contact form
- Communications between you and MFWA
We may also collect certain technical information automatically:
- IP address, browser type, and operating system
- Device information and location (if enabled)
- Pages visited and time spent on our website (via cookies and analytics tools)
3. How we use your information
We use your data for the following purposes:
- To communicate with you about our work, events, and campaigns
- To send newsletters or advocacy updates (if you have subscribed)
- To administer event registrations and manage participation
- To improve the functionality and performance of our website
- To analyse engagement and evaluate the impact of our programmes
- To comply with legal and regulatory obligations
4. Cookies and similar technologies
We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. Cookies help us:
- Remember your preferences
- Analyse traffic and usage patterns
- Improve the user interface and experience
You can manage your cookie preferences by adjusting settings in your browser. If you turn off cookies, some features of the site may not function properly.
5. When we share your data
We do not sell or rent your personal information. We may share your data with trusted third parties in the following situations:
- With service providers who help us operate our website or manage communications (e.g. email distribution, website analytics)
- With event partners or funders, only where necessary and with appropriate safeguards
- When required by law, legal process, or to protect our rights and the rights of others
Any third parties we engage are contractually bound to protect your data and only use it for authorised purposes.
6. Legal bases for processing your data
We process your personal data on the following legal bases:
- Consent: For sending newsletters or communications when you opt in
- Contract: To fulfil our obligations when you register for events or collaborate with us
- Legitimate interests: For analysing usage, improving user experience, conducting surveys, or promoting our mission, provided your rights are not overridden
- Legal obligations: For tax, audit, or regulatory compliance
You may withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in our emails or contacting us directly.
7. Data retention
We keep your personal data only as long as necessary:
- For communications: Until you unsubscribe or withdraw consent
- For event records or programme engagement: For up to four years or as required by law
- For legal or financial records: Up to seven years or as required by law
We regularly review our data retention practices to ensure compliance with application data protection laws
8. International data transfers
As an organisation with regional and international partnerships, your data may be transferred across borders. Where this occurs, we ensure appropriate safeguards are in place in line with applicable data protection laws.
9. How we protect your data
We implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to safeguard your information, which may include encryption, access controls, and secure data storage. Access to your data is limited to authorised personnel and third parties bound by confidentiality obligations.
10. Children’s data
Our services are not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect or process personal data from children without the consent of a parent or guardian. For group subscriptions or school-related programmes, educational providers must ensure the appropriate consent is obtained.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns about how we handle your personal data, please contact us:
Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA)
32 Otele Avenue, East Legon, Accra, Ghana
Email: info[@]mfwa.org
Phone: +233 302 555327
You can also contact us to request access to your data, correct inaccuracies, or exercise your rights under applicable data protection laws.
This privacy policy may be updated from time to time. The most recent version will always be available on our website.