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Between Policy and Risk Communication: Coverage of Air Pollution in Ghanaian Newspapers

Author

Listed:
  • Samuel Agyei-Mensah

    (Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 59, Ghana)

  • Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour

    (Department of Geography and Resource Development, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra P.O. Box LG 59, Ghana)

  • Abraham Mwaura

    (Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland)

  • Pierpaolo Mudu

    (Environment, Climate Change and Health, World Health Organization, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland)

Abstract

Mass media plays an increasingly persuasive role in orienting political decisions, shaping social agendas, influencing individuals’ actions, and interpreting scientific evidence for the public. With growing scientific understanding of the health, social and environmental consequences of air pollution, there is an urgent need to understand how media coverage frames these links, particularly in Low- and Middle-Income Countries. This paper examines how the Ghanaian print and electronic media houses are covering air pollution issues given increased efforts at reducing air pollution within the country. The main goal of this work is to track the progress of policies to reduce air pollution. We used a qualitative content analysis of selected newspapers (both traditional and online) between the periods 2016 and 2021 and we found that articles on air pollution have been increasing, with more reportage on impact and policy issues compared to causes of air pollution. A focus group with six members of the media confirmed an interest in covering health and environmental issues, particularly coverage of specific diseases and human-interest pieces. This increasing attention is likely associated with intensifying local, national, and international action to improve air quality in Ghana, and growing awareness of the health impacts of air pollution.

Suggested Citation

  • Samuel Agyei-Mensah & Elvis Kyere-Gyeabour & Abraham Mwaura & Pierpaolo Mudu, 2022. "Between Policy and Risk Communication: Coverage of Air Pollution in Ghanaian Newspapers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(20), pages 1-18, October.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:20:p:13246-:d:942217
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Steven Ramondt & A. Susana Ramírez, 2020. "Media Reporting on Air Pollution: Health Risk and Precautionary Measures in National and Regional Newspapers," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(18), pages 1-10, September.
    2. Jacob Nyarko, 2016. "Newspaper Review Show in the Broadcast Media Space in Ghana," SAGE Open, , vol. 6(2), pages 21582440166, June.
    3. Zhuanlan Sun & Jun Cang & Yuhui Ruan & Demi Zhu, 2020. "Reporting gaps between news media and scientific papers on outdoor air pollution–related health outcomes: A content analysis," International Journal of Health Planning and Management, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 35(1), pages 221-232, January.
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