ownload the Bank

Furthermore, it must ensure that the crisis communication is empirically tested and theory based. For instance, assess how Ghanaians are responding to the economic crisis and the response strategies being used, and adopt a theory that guides and explains why others are not.

It is, however, refreshing the President’s broadcast on Sunday, October 30, 2022, giving assurance that there was light at the end of the tunnel. It is also commendable that the Cabinet, the Economic Management Team (EMT), and the forex bureaus have met over the cedi depreciation.

Are these engagements enough? The government must broaden such consultations and also consider these crisis communication management recommendations: as a great place to start to put an end to the situation; it must be more cooperative with stakeholders and the public; it must speak with one voice and ensure consistent crisis message; it must respond quickly to issues, particularly those that have the potential to further divide the nation and exacerbate the crisis; it must not attribute the nation's economic problems to the Russia-Ukraine war and the COVID-19 pandemic; it must the average Ghanaian to understand them and also employ local languages in addition to English to disseminate information; it by experts, academics, and other key stakeholders. Outright rejection in crisis messages give an indication that you are not a listening government; it must be open and honest in crisis communication, and take post-crisis measures seriously.

All hope is not lost. The glass is half-full rather than half empty. Instead of focusing on the negative, let's consider the positive aspects of life and the things that bring us together.

The writer is a communications professional/member, Institute of Public Relations, Ghana/Ghana Journalists Association. E-mail: raymondbaxey@gmail.com