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Citizens-focused Feedback and Information Hub on COVID-19 Launched in Ghana

June 26, 2020 In Newsroom By

Citizens-focused Feedback and Information Hub on COVID-19 Launched in Ghana

On Thursday, 25 June 2020, STAR Ghana and Penplusbytes’ organised a webinar to officially launch and deploy a COVID-19 ‘info-for-all’ website, information for all platform to address gaps in information dissemination and the sheer volume of information disorder on the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana. As demonstrated during the live demonstration, the platform uses innovative digital tools to improve access to relevant COVID-19 information by all citizens and to support both government and other civil society efforts in curbing the spread of the virus and flattening the curve in Ghana. The platform has a mashed up two-way communication tools such as bots, mobile (SMS & WhatsApp) and other audiovisuals (motion graphics & infographics).

This collaborative and citizen-oriented platform is the outcome of a project aiming at filling in the existing knowledge gap about COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana and the platform will be complemented with traditional media engagement with the ultimate aim of not leaving anyone behind in accessing COVID-19 related information and the ability to provide feedback and input on how best government’s policies and interventions can be structured to respond directly to the needs of citizens.

As indicated by Teiko Sabah, Head of Programmes at STAR Ghana Foundation, the platform will “increase the effectiveness of inclusive actions by state and non-state actors towards the elimination of the COVID-19 pandemic”. This initiative is anchored in the broader civil society response to COVID-19 in Ghana and is expected to support innovative mechanisms for linking citizens’ voices with state actors for more responsive services and the key beneficiaries will be all Ghanaian citizens, with a specific focus on vulnerable persons (persons with disabilities, women, the aged), rural populations and young persons. Penplusbytes expressed their openness to feedback from users and to partnerships with other civil society actors or government institutions to increase its social impact and sustainability beyond COVID-19. Participants have highly welcomed this initiative, as the access to accurate, timely and reliable information by all persons will be a key panacea to adhering to government directives and guidelines by health officials to help curtail the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in Ghana.

Link to the platform: www.covid19infogh.org

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FIIFI BOATENG

Fiifi is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Communications and Information Officer at the West Africa Civil Society Institute. He joined the Institute in December 2020.

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Nancy is a Ghanaian and currently serves as Programme Officer in the Knowledge Management unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute. She joined the Institute in January 2021.

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Doris holds a Bachelor of Arts in Social sciences (Economics and Sociology) from the University of Cape Coast. She is passionate about impacting young lives hence co-founded Impart Foundation. A non-profit organization which seeks to empower young lives through education, technology and entrepreneurship.

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PRINCE AKOWUAH

Prince Akowuah is a Ghanaian and currently the Programme Assistant in the Translation Unit at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

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MAXWELL APENTENG

Maxwell Apenteng is a Ghanaian and joined WACSI in September 2010. He provides gardening and janitorial services at the Institute.

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George Adu-Mintah is a Ghanaian and currently the Protocol Assistant/Driver at the West Africa Civil Society (WACSI). He joined the Institute in October 2006.

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Ibrahim Kwaku Gbadago is a Ghanaian. He joined the Institute in 2008 and provides janitorial services and assisting the institute's errands. Before joining the Institute, he worked at the Palestinian embassy in Accra, Ghana.

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Whitnay Segnonna holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Management from the University of Benin. With 2 years of experience, she has a strong knowledge of organizational and project management. Combined with her bilingualism, she is very passionate about her work. She joined WACSI as Project Assistant on Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) for the Capacity Development Unit.

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Grace Akpene Ziggah is a Togolese and currently the Logistics Officer and also assists in administration duties at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in June 2009.

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LILLIAN DAFEAMEKPOR

Lilian Dafeamekpor is a Ghanaian and currently the Assistant to the Executive Director at the West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI). She joined the Institute in 2020.

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JOHN P. FRINJUAH

John P. Frinjuah has expertise and interests in civil society, international development, democracy and governance, conflict, crisis, and security. He has extensive experience working with civil society and international development organizations where he supported and managed research, programmes, and provided technical assistance on a variety of themes around public policy, governance, and development. He is an alumnus of the University of Ghana and the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy - Tufts University in the United States, with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from two institutions respectively. John speaks English, French and several Ghanaian and regional West Africa languages.

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Prior to joining WACSI, Gervin worked on two USAID projects focusing on agriculture value chain development and governance in northern Ghana
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OMOLARA T. BALOGUN

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She joined WACSI in November 2009 as a Regional Advocacy Consultant and later became the first Policy Advocacy Officer of the Institute in 2010.

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