"Ink on the Pandemic in Ghana": A Qualitative Analysis of How the Ghana News Agency and Joy Online News Covered COVID-19

Abstract

This study investigates how the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and Joy News Online covered the COVID-19 pandemic from January 2020 to December 2021, using a qualitative content analysis approach informed by Framing Theory. The research analyzed news articles from both outlets, focusing on themes such as public health, economic impacts, government responses, and social consequences of the pandemic. The study found that while both outlets addressed similar core issues, Joy Online emphasized government accountability and transparency more strongly, whereas the GNA's coverage was more focused on factual updates and promoting government measures without extensive critique. Data was gathered through content analysis, with inclusion criteria that focused on articles directly related to COVID-19 and exclusion criteria that filtered out unrelated content. The analysis revealed that the framing strategies used by both platforms influenced public perception, emotional engagement, and behavior during the pandemic. The findings suggest the importance of balanced and accurate media coverage in health crises. The study recommends that media outlets strive for balanced framing, collaborate with health experts, and actively combat misinformation to enhance public health communication and foster informed decision-making. This research emphasizes the need for transparent and consistent messaging, with a call for further studies on the role of media in framing future health crises.