Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ghanaian Times
Published on 2024-03-08 08:23:30
Send Ghana, a civil society organization, is calling for continuous media advocacy to hold the government accountable for its promise to establish a Public Health Emergency Fund (PHEF). This fund is crucial for protecting the health of the public, and the media plays a significant role in influencing policymakers to prioritize its establishment.
During a recent meeting with the Editor of the Ghanaian Times, David Agbenu, Project Officer Tajudeen Mohammed Abdul7 emphasized the need for sustained media support to push the government to fulfill its commitment to establish the PHEF. Joined by Communication Officer Joan Addey, they discussed ways to strengthen the relationship between Send Ghana and the media for the successful implementation of ongoing projects.
The government has expressed its intention to create the PHEF in the 2022-2025 National Medium-Term Development Framework, with the goal of preparing Ghana for future public health challenges. Send Ghana has been advocating for the conversion of the existing COVID-19 National Trust Fund (CNTF) into the PHEF, using revenue from the COVID-19 Recovery Levy as the primary funding source. Additional funding could come from donations from various sources, including institutions, corporate bodies, philanthropists, and patriotic Ghanaians.
Mr. Abdulai pointed out that the deadline for establishing the fund is approaching, and it is crucial for the media to continue reminding the government of this commitment. The success of this advocacy effort, like other projects undertaken by Send Ghana, depends on strong media support.
Responding to concerns about the fund’s management, Mr. Abdulai assured that an independent body would oversee it to minimize the risk of misappropriation. The media would also have a watchdog role in ensuring the funds are used judiciously.
Ms. Addey praised the Ghanaian Times for its longstanding support of Send Ghana programs and urged for continued collaboration as they launch new initiatives. Mr. Agbenu reaffirmed the newspaper’s commitment to supporting Send Ghana’s cause in the interest of public information dissemination.
While welcoming the idea of the PHEF, Mr. Agbenu advised Send Ghana to invest in journalists’ capacity-building to produce well-researched and accurate reports on the subject. With the media’s continued advocacy, the establishment of the PHEF can become a reality, benefiting the health and well-being of all Ghanaians.
In conclusion, Send Ghana’s call for sustained media advocacy for the establishment of the Public Health Emergency Fund underscores the critical role the media plays in influencing government decisions for the public good. Collaboration between civil society organizations like Send Ghana and the media is essential for ensuring government accountability and transparency in fulfilling its commitments to safeguard public health.
Read the original article on Ghanaian Times
