COVID-19 in Ghana: A Comparative Study of Media Coverage by Ghana News Agency and Joy Online News

This study examines the coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic by two prominent Ghanaian news platforms, the Ghana News Agency (GNA) and Joy Online News, from January 2020 to December 2021. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach and Framing Theory, the research analyzes how each platform framed the pandemic and its associated issues. Both platforms highlighted key topics such as public health, economic impacts, government responses, and transparency, but they employed distinct framing strategies. Joy Online focused heavily on emotional engagement, particularly in highlighting government unaccountability and advocating for greater transparency. This approach resonated emotionally with audiences, emphasizing the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic and government shortcomings. In contrast, the GNA adopted a more neutral, factual reporting style, emphasizing reliable, data-driven coverage of public health and governmental actions, with less emotional appeal. The findings suggest that while both platforms shared common themes, their framing approaches influenced how audiences perceived the government’s handling of the crisis and shaped their emotional and behavioral reactions. The study concludes with recommendations for balanced reporting, collaboration with experts, and measures to combat misinformation, emphasizing the need for transparent, empathetic communication in times of crisis.