The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr Kofi Adu Domfeh, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and researchers to ensure that scientific findings and research outputs effectively influence public policy and development interventions.
According to him, research findings often remain within academic circles and fail to reach the wider public due to inadequate communication and dissemination strategies.
Speaking at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources (FRNR) Seminar Series at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Mr Adu Domfeh stressed that journalists and researchers must work closely to bridge the gap between knowledge generation and public understanding.
He noted that the media plays a crucial role in translating complex research findings into simple, accessible information that can influence decision-making by governments, institutions and communities.
“Research has little impact if it remains on library shelves or in academic journals. It must be communicated effectively to the public and policymakers to drive meaningful change,” he stated.
Mr Adu Domfeh urged researchers to engage the media at every stage of their work and present findings in formats that are understandable to non-specialist audiences.
He further encouraged journalists to develop interest in science, environmental and development reporting to accurately communicate research outcomes and promote evidence-based discussions.
The GJA Ashanti Chairman observed that stronger media-research partnerships would help address national challenges in areas such as climate change, agriculture, natural resource management, public health and sustainable development.
He said collaboration between academia and the media would also help combat misinformation by ensuring that the public receives credible and verified information based on scientific evidence.
Participants at the seminar underscored the need for regular engagements between researchers and journalists to enhance public appreciation of research and its contribution to national development.
The seminar formed part of efforts by the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources to promote knowledge sharing and strengthen stakeholder engagement in research and development.
The story is based on Mr. Domfeh’s remarks advocating closer collaboration between researchers and the media to improve public understanding and policy impact of research findings.
