The Future of Science Journalism in Ghana: Evidence-Based Perspectives

"Many journalists in Ghana want to see a significant increase in science reporting over the next decade, but say that significant obstacles are preventing this from happening...."

This study explores the future of science journalism in Ghana from the perspectives of journalists. Based on responses to a questionnaire from 151 Ghanaian journalists, this report notes that there is a growth of interest in science journalism in recent decades. For instance, 80% of the respondents said there was a need for greater public literacy about science and that increasing the amount of science coverage would lead to better science outcomes for the country. The four dominant reasons that respondents cited for wanting the amount of science journalism to remain the same or increase were: (i) to promote public literacy in science, (ii) because science is important for development, (iii) because science improves health and fights diseases, and (iv) to improve science reporting by providing more experience. However, despite this, the report finds that many journalists in Ghana struggled to get access to researchers and, in particular, to obtain contact information for scientists they wished to interview.

In an interview with SciDev.net (see Source section, below), one of the report's authors, Bernard Appiah (Director of the Centre for Science and Health Communication (CSHC), a non-profit Ghanaian organisation that promotes public engagement with science), said this reflects a broader problem in Ghana, where both scientists and journalists have little access to formal science communication training. "There is no such course as 'science journalism' in Ghana - or in most African countries - and this should change if science journalism in Africa is to occupy its appropriate niche," he said. There is also little formal training available to enable researchers or journalists to communicate about science with each other, or with the public, he said. Appiah said many journalists surveyed also reported high levels of "mistrust between scientists and journalists". This was reflected in a reluctance of scientists - especially those working in the public sector - to be interviewed. Appiah said the CSHC is working to improve the situation by setting up online expert databases - including contact details - to help journalists reach researchers they want to speak to.

Two respondents specifically mentioned that information and communication technology (ICT) could help increase the amount of science journalism in the next decade. For instance, use of the Web might increase the quantity and quality of science journalism in Ghana, both by facilitating information gathering and by serving as a medium of science communication. Education of journalists regarding use of the Web will be important in this regard. According to the report, courses and workshops in science journalism should include instruction in writing about the sciences for online media and using the Web to aid science reporting. Already, such instruction has begun. For example, at a workshop on health reporting for journalists and health professionals held November 21-23 2011, in Ghana, there was a session titled "Using the Internet to Aid Health Reporting." Participants at the workshop discussed use of email to schedule interviews, request materials, and make brief inquiries. Also, the report states that the Web may be useful for training journalists in science reporting. For example, the World Federation of Science Journalists has freely accessible online science journalism course modules, which could be useful for journalists in Ghana and elsewhere.

Based on the findings of this research, the report concludes that journalists need to be empowered through science journalism training - including Web-based training - focused on a wide range of topics related to science and technology. Furthermore, Ghanaian journalism training institutions should explore avenues for tapping the expertise of international journalism institutions to develop science and technology journalism. In addition, to develop science journalism courses in Ghana, journalism training institutions should consider consulting relevant local institutions such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, the Ghana Science Association, and the Ministry of Environment, Science, and Technology about communicating with scientists or policymakers.