CHORUS Ghana Empowers Journalists to Turn Science Research Findings into Stories that Drive Urban Health Change

In a bid to address Ghana’s growing urban health challenges, more than 30 selected journalists from across the country have received intensive training in science-based reporting, equipping them to tell compelling stories that promote healthier cities.

The two-day capacity-building workshop, held in Accra, was organized by the Community-led Responsive and Effective Urban Health Systems (CHORUS) project in collaboration with Women, Media and Change (WOMEC).

The initiative brought together journalists, researchers, communication experts, and public health professionals to strengthen the media’s role in bridging the gap between scientific research and public understanding—especially in underserved urban communities.

Media as Catalysts for Urban Health Transformation Ms. Delali Kumapley, Head of the Capacity Strengthening Support Office at CHORUS, highlighted the media’s unique role in spotlighting health disparities in urban poor neighbourhoods.

“Urban health is at the heart of sustainable development,” she said. “Journalists are strategically positioned to shed light on critical issues like poor sanitation, maternal health gaps, substandard housing, and limited healthcare access. Their storytelling can catalyze real change.”

CHORUS Ghana’s mission focuses on linking communities, local governments, and healthcare providers to support health promotion and preventive services across all life stages in low-income urban areas. This vision formed the core of the workshop.

Building a Culture of Science-Informed Journalism

The training aimed to nurture a new generation of journalists capable of translating complex research findings into engaging, accurate, and accessible stories for the public. Participants were encouraged to go beyond routine press releases and explore academic publications, policy briefs, and field data.

Dr. Charity Binka, Executive Director of WOMEC, described science and health communication as a civic duty.

“Science is news. The media must demystify it, debunk misinformation, and help the public make informed decisions,” she stated. “Journalists who work hand-in-hand with researchers and public health experts can ensure that the public receives reliable, evidence-based information.”

Hands-On Training in Data-Driven Reporting

Professor Abena Yeboah-Banin from the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana led a practical session focused on using data in storytelling. She guided journalists on how to interpret complex research and translate it into compelling news reports.

“When journalists tell stories rooted in research and the lived experiences of communities, they become agents of accountability and change,” she said, encouraging the use of data journalism and investigative tools to expose systemic health inequalities.

Showcasing Innovation in Urban Health Solutions

The CHORUS Project also presented several innovative initiatives aimed at tackling pressing urban health issues, including rapid ethnographic case study on how local governments in the Greater Accra Region disburse resources for Primary Health Care (PHC), examining how context, stakeholder power, and institutional capacity influence these decisions.

It also focused evidence-based communication for slum dwellers, particularly developing communication toolkits tailored to the specific health information needs of slum residents, grounded in research and community engagement.

A Renewed Commitment to Urban Health Reporting

Some of the participants expressed their interest to science-based journalism, particularly in reporting issues affecting slums and peri-urban areas, while others pledged to focus on critical issues such as sanitation, maternal and child health, environmental hazards, housing conditions, and access to healthcare.

“This workshop has opened our eyes to the power and responsibility we hold as journalists,” said one participant. “We’re not just reporting — we’re shaping conversations and pushing for solutions.”

Organizers expressed confidence that the workshop would serve as a launchpad for long-term collaboration between the media, academia, civil society, and public health institutions aimed to foster a healthier urban future for all Ghanaians through accurate, evidence-based storytelling.