UK, Ghana build capacity of media in Science, others
The Development Director of the British High Commission in Accra, Richard Sandall, says as society is shaped by Science, Technology and Innovation (ST&I), the role of the media in conveying such development has become even more paramount.
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He said even though media capacity enhancement programmes had been running for some time, they were yet to focus on ST&I.
Mr Sandall made the observation as at the opening of a five-day training programme aimed at enhancing the capacity of the media in the field of science, technology, and innovation in Accra last Monday.
The event is part of a strategic partnership between the British High Commission, the Ministry of Information and the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation.
It forms part of the UK and Ghana's commitment to foster advancements in science, technology, and innovation (ST&I). Mr Sandall said he was pleased that the UK had taken it up to get involved.
"We would like to think of ourselves as a Science super power," he said, adding that "it underpins our ambitions as a country, both domestically in the UK and abroad,” he said.
Mr Sandall said often there was a big barrier between what scientists knew and then getting the information to people who might use them, adding that such persons included policy and decision makers, teachers and businesses.
Deepen
The training workshop aims to deepen the understanding of the national systems of innovation among the public by enhancing the reporting capabilities of journalists in ST&I. It will help to equip media practitioners in ST&I to improve their knowledge and skills to effectively report on complex topics in science, technology, and innovation, fostering accurate and engaging coverage for a broader audience.
It is being delivered in person with resource persons from the UK and Ghana media space. It will include presentations of case studies and lectures from industry experts, discussions, breakout sessions on different topics, and practical exercises and simulations.
The main expected outcome is to have empowered media practitioners who can deliver accurate, engaging, and informative reports on science, technology, and innovation.
Promotion
The workshop is expected to contribute to the promotion of informed and insightful media coverage of science, technology, and
innovation-related issues.
Furthermore, it will facilitate collaboration and knowledge sharing among journalists from both countries, fostering a deeper understanding of global trends and best practices in science communication.
Transformative journey
Society, Mr Sandall said, therefore, needed journalists at the top of their game. The Chairman of the Media Capacity Enhancement Programme, Prof. Kwamena Kwansah-Aidoo, said the training marked a pivotal moment in the history of the country as it embarked on a uniquely transformative journey to equip journalists with the knowledge and skills within the realms of ST&I.
He said the collaboration between the British High Commission, the Ministry of Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Information for the event underscored the recognition of the pressing challenges within ST&I reporting and the need for a comprehensive training to address that.
"The challenges we face in ST&I reporting are multifaceted, and demand strategic interventions," he said. Prof. Kwansah-Aidoo, who is also the acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of Media, Arts and Communication, said journalists encountered significant hurdles in translating complex scientific information into developing accessible stories for the public.
