Assessing Crisis Communication Approaches In The Ghanaian Health Sector

Abstract

This research aims to understand how Ghana's health service used crisis communications to communicate with a critical group of stakeholders during the 2022 outbreak of the Marburg virus. This research used a case study approach. In other words, this approach was taken using focus groups, in-depth interviews, and survey techniques to examine the crisis communication activities of Ghana Health Service after the 2022 Marburg outbreak.The study discovered that the public institution had an updated crisis management plan, implemented it consistently, and had a skilled team in charge of communications. To fulfill the information needs of potential clients, interactive platforms were employed, two-way communication was created, messages were more accurately targeted, and press communications were changed. Yet, survey findings revealed Ghana Health Service needed help coordinating messaging during the health crisis. This study will offer the government and other policymakers relevant information on communicating during contagious disease outbreaks within the Ghanaian jurisdiction.