The Acting Director of the Information Services Department, Dr Winnifred Nafisah Mahama, has underscored the importance of disseminating the right information to help citizens make informed decisions because of the proliferation of unverified news sources.
Dr Mahama made the point when she led a delegation from the ISD to pay a courtesy call on the South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Madam Grace Jeanet Mason, on Tuesday in Accra.
The visit was to discuss issues relating to the advancement of information services and governance as well as enhancing the Department’s capabilities.
She noted that the ISD is 85 years old and outlined several initiatives being undertaken by the Department, including the establishment of a new organogram and the creation of divisions that align with the current information landscape.
Among these, she noted, is the research division that conducts public perception surveys to inform government policies.
“The results inform the Minister of Information, who presents them to the cabinet for decisions that significantly impact people’s lives.
“Additionally, the ISD has set up a media division with a newsroom to combat misinformation and disinformation, acting as a hub for fact-checking before disseminating information,” she noted.
She emphasized the crucial role this plays in decision-making and its impact on citizens’ lives.
“This division ensures that information officers across various ministries, departments and agencies can provide accurate reports accessible to journalists. We have launched the Ghana Today website and an online magazine where we share information from across districts and regions ensuring the public receives accurate information,” she added.
She further indicated that the Media Monitoring Division monitors traditional and new media to stay informed on emerging issues requiring immediate government response.
The recent establishment of the Access to Information Division within ISD aims to implement the Right to Information (RTI) law effectively, she noted.
She noted, “This Division is spread across public institutions, ensuring compliance and accessibility.”
Dr Mahama expressed the need for peer-to-peer learning from the Government Communication and Information System (GCIS) of South Africa, particularly in the implementation of RTI law.
“Understanding the GCIS’s practices will significantly benefit us as we aim to achieve our goals. Peer learning will help us improve our processes and understand the implementation of RTI over the next seven years,” she noted.
On her part, the South African High Commissioner, Madam Grace Jeanet Mason, said “South Africa-Ghana relations are at a very stable strategic high level. For us to continue strengthening and collaborating, I completely agree with you, madam, that skills transfer, learning, and, of course, the mandate that you carry. Also, consider how we can bring synergies between South Africa’s GCIS.
“I encourage you to go to South Africa, to GCIS and see what’s there. I would recommend that we look into it and, of course, examine your report, which sees empowering citizens through informed communications,” she added.
She stated that reaching out to the most vulnerable people, providing them with information, and keeping them up to date on government initiatives and mandates is the strategic goal.
“Because, you know, without access to information, people rely on social media, they rely on fake news, they rely on perceptions and ultimately become realities and it up to us to make sure that we inform our communities,” she said.
Patience Anaadem, ISD
