Gov’t, media and medics collaborate on COVID-19 communication strategy

Government as part of efforts to fight the novel COVID-19 has announced a collaboration with media umbrella bodies and the various medical associations in the country to streamline communication.

The groups including the Ghana Medical Association, Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Association and Pharmaceutical Society of Ghana met on Monday to discuss the way forward.

The others were the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Ghana Independent Broadcasters Association (GIBA) and Private News Papers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG).

Addressing the gathering in Accra, the Minister for Information, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah stated that the essence of the collaboration was to “support and ensure that public education goes well so that when the public knows what to do, we are all better protected.”

President of the GJA, Affail Monney reiterated the body’s commitment towards intensifying collaboration with the Risk Information Unit of the Ghana Health Service, which focuses on publicity in communities.

The GJA also stated its commitment to ensure that relevant information flows down to all levels of the association.

GIBA and PRINPAG both made similar expressions of commitment.

GIBA, for instance, pointed out that some of its members have already started with the urging broadcasters, not to cause fear and panic through their reportage.

They also said the association has been coordinating with regional coordinators to get relevant information down to the people.

PRINPAG, on the other hand, has also initiated measures to make sure news writers highlight the threat of coronavirus.

General Secretary of the Ghana Medical Association, Dr. Ishmael Yankson, who spoke on behalf of the medical groups, assured the general public of the commitment of health professionals in the fight against coronavirus.