1. WHO Africa
  2. Empowering Journalists to Save Lives in Ghana’s Fight Against Public Health Emergencies...

Empowering Journalists to Save Lives in Ghana’s Fight Against Public Health Emergencies

In the face of a public health emergency, one of the most critical tools isn't just the medication or the medical personnel—it’s information. Accurate, timely information can mean the difference between chaos and calm, between lives saved and lives lost. Yet, too often, misinformation spreads faster than the crisis itself, leaving communities vulnerable and confused.

This is where journalists come in. As the first line of communication to the public, their ability to deliver reliable news is as essential as any vaccine or medical intervention. Based on this, the World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Ghana Health Service (GHS) and with funding from the Canada Development Program, launched a unique initiative: training journalists to become frontline defenders in public health emergencies.

Group picture
In Tamale, 40 journalists from Northern, North East, Upper West, and Upper East regions gathered on November 19, 2024, not to chase the next headline but to understand what happens behind the scenes of a health crisis. They learned how surveillance teams track disease outbreaks, the steps health officials take before declaring an emergency, and how critical the right message is to curbing panic and misinformation.
Anass Sabit, a participant
One of the participants, Anass Sabit, a seasoned journalist from Bono East, reflected on his experience. “I always thought my job was just to report the news,” he said. “But this training has shown me that as a journalist, I have the power to influence whether people take life-saving actions or fall victim to misinformation. It’s a huge responsibility, but I now feel equipped to handle it.”
Participants in Sunyani
Just two days later, in Sunyani, a similar session also brought together 40 journalists from Bono, Bono East, Ahafo, and Savannah regions. For many, it was their first exposure to fact-checking tools and techniques to verify information before sharing it with the public.
Josephine, a participant in Tamale
“It was eye-opening,” said Josephine Akaribo, a reporter for a major regional radio station. “I never realized how easily fake news could spread during an emergency and how much harm it could cause. Now, I understand that my role is to stop that from happening”.
Dr Kwadwo Asante-Afari
For WHO Ghana’s Risk Communication Officer, Dr. Kwadwo Asante-Afari, this training is about more than just skills—it’s about saving lives. “Journalists are not just storytellers in a public health emergency; they are lifesavers. Every accurate story they report and every myth they debunk directly contributes to protecting communities”, he said.
Rabiu Alhassan
This isn’t just theory. Ghana has seen how misinformation can turn manageable situations into full-blown crises. But with journalists now armed with the tools to communicate effectively, the tide is turning. They are not just observers; they are allies in the fight against diseases.
Joel, facilitator
These training sessions are part of a broader vision to ensure that during any health emergency, every community gets the information they need to make informed decisions. It’s about building trust, encouraging compliance with health measures, and ultimately, reducing the devastating impact of emergencies.
Facilitator
Thanks to this initiative, journalists across Ghana are stepping into a new role—not just as reporters but as trusted voices of clarity and calm in the face of uncertainty. And as they do, they’re proving that the power of the pen can indeed save lives.


For Additional Information or to Request Interviews, Please contact:
Abdul-Lahie Abdul-Rahim Naa
Communications Officer
WHO Ghana Country Office
Email: abdullahiea@who.int
Tel: +233 20 196 2393