Ghana: workshop for journalists on accurate disease outbreak reporting

In Ghana, the Eastern Regional Health Directorate has organized a one-day workshop for journalists about accurate reporting during disease outbreaks. The workshop was held in Koforidua and saw the participation of representatives from several media outlets, including the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC). Dr. John Ekow Otoo, Eastern Regional Deputy Director of Public Health, said the media have a key role in spreading updated and accurate information during health emergencies. He stressed the importance of engaging journalists to avoid misinformation and provide the public with reliable updates. According to Dr. Otoo, accurate reporting can shape the public’s perception and behaviour leading to a better understanding of health campaigns, including vaccinations. Therefore, he encouraged journalists to approach credible and reliable sources like scientists and doctors when covering several types of outbreaks, including sporadic ones.
The workshop focused on tools for fact-checking and verifying information before publication, emphasizing the value of professional ethics to avoid sensationalized reporting. The initiative reflects the Directorate’s commitment to fostering responsible journalism as a key component of effective public health responses. Mr. Maxwell Kudekor, Eastern Regional President of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), thanked the Regional Health Directorate for its support and encouraged information providers in institutions and organizations to assist journalists by providing accurate information for public dissemination.