Strengthening Science, Technology, and Innovation Reporting in Ghana
The capacity-building workshop for Ghanaian journalists in Science, Technology, and Innovation (ST&I) reporting commenced with insightful discussions on the role of the media in shaping science communication.
The British High Commission Accra, in collaboration with the Responsible AI Lab (RAIL) at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (KNUST) and the Ministry of Environment, Science and Technology (MEST), has organised a week-long capacity-building workshop from 24th to 28th February 2025 aimed to enhance journalists’ ability to drive measurable behaviour change while contributing to broader policy objectives in public understanding of science and technology.
Dr. Hephzibah Tagoe, Founding Director of G.H Scientific and Head of the Biomedical Engineering Department at Academic City, led an engaging session on the challenges and responsibilities of media professionals in ST&I reporting. She highlighted common pitfalls in science journalism, including misinterpreting study results, over-extrapolation from small sample sizes, and confusion between correlation and causation, often contributing to misinformation.
Dr. Tagoe emphasised the importance of effective communication between scientists and journalists to ensure accurate and impactful storytelling. She advocated for scientists to actively engage in science communication or pursue careers in science journalism. Additionally, she proposed integrating science and data representation modules into journalism training programs to bridge the knowledge gap.
According to her, key principles for effective ST&I reporting include clarity and simplicity in communication, the art of storytelling, audience engagement, and building trust, all of which are crucial for translating complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives that resonate with the public.
The first day concluded with an interactive session with Mr. Darlington Akogo, Founder and CEO of MinoHealth AI Labs. He provided an overview of his lab’s groundbreaking innovations in artificial intelligence. He engaged participants in thought-provoking discussions on the dual-use nature of AI, the future of emerging technologies, and the critical role of AI regulation and policy.
With these enriching discussions, Day One set the tone for a transformative learning experience, equipping journalists with the tools to navigate the complexities of ST&I reporting while fostering collaboration between media professionals and the scientific community.
