The Acting Director of the Information Services Department (ISD), Dr Winnifred Nafisa Mahama, has paid a visit to the French Embassy in Accra on Thursday to bolster ties and call for support for public service delivery through information dissemination.
Dr Mahama underscored the historical significance of the ISD, originally established to facilitate communication with Ghanaian troops and their families during World War II. She stated, “Effective communication was crucial, just as it is now, for maintaining connections with soldiers and their families.”
She noted that the challenges posed by advancement in communication meant that the Department has to re-strategise to be able to combat information disorder and ensure the public has access to accurate information, crucial for informed decision-making and governance.
She said, “We must reorganise and reposition ourselves to deliver good governance, particularly in light of the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, which underscored the importance of access to accurate information.”
She said ISD operates through five key divisions, including research, public education and media. These divisions conduct public and policy surveys and coordinate outreach programmes to ensure that authentic information is disseminated to the public.
“The Department has a comprehensive network of information offices across the country that play a crucial role in public education and get feedback on government policies.”
According to her, ISD’s research division, which includes a library with archival data dating back to Ghana’s independence and beyond, provides valuable resources for researchers, students, and documentary filmmakers. She stated the importance of preserving historical data and facilitating access to information within public institutions.
In light of Ghana’s strategic position and international aspirations, Dr. Mahama emphasized the necessity of French language proficiency, particularly for information officers.
She proposed the establishment of a French Resource Center to facilitate communication and collaboration with Francophone countries.
She said, “We are reaching out to collaborate with as many partners as possible, all in the name of building the institution to serve its purpose and manage the overflow of information. We need our information officers to be equipped with basic French language skills to communicate effectively.”
“Access to information drives every economy and allows citizens to make informed decisions and contribute meaningfully to governance. With the support of partners like the French Embassy, we can achieve our goals and enhance public service delivery in Ghana,” she noted.
On her part, the Political Counsellor at the French Embassy, Madam Christine Battesti, supported the suggestion to establish a French centre and train not just Information officers but Ghanaians in general.
She expressed optimism about potential collaborations with institutions like the Alliance Française to further this initiative.
Patience Anaadem, ISD
