Ghana's Debt Syndrome: The Perspective of Ghanaian Journalists

Abstract

The study solicited the perspectives of some selected Ghanaian journalists because they (journalists) are the gatekeepers and agenda setters in our society concerning the debt situation of Ghana. The aim was to establish their level of knowledge about the subject matter so as to ascertain the reliability of the information they feed the public with regard to the debt situation of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative approach with the help of unstructured interview to gather data. Narrative and analytical approach was used in analyzing the data. Using a purposive sampling technique, four (4) journalists from the radio and print media were interviewed. The results of the study showed that Ghanaian journalists have a fair knowledge about Ghana's debt portfolio. However, they showed much concern about the rising debt of the country. The study also showed that journalists in Ghana have a high level of understanding about the implications of Ghana's soaring debt. They were also able to offer insightful suggestions as how Ghana could reduce and manage its debt burden. The study recommended that journalists in Ghana should periodically update themselves with statistics in relation to the economic happenings of the country.