The Information Services Department (ISD). evolved from an organisation established in the later part of 1939 as a branch of the Colonial Government Secretariat dedicated to convey news on the 2nd World War to the people of Gold Coast. This was done through the production of a weekly journal dubbed the “Empire at War”
Background
In accordance with recommendations made by the Coussey Committee constituted to investigate the 1949 disturbances, the Gold Coast Government re-organised the Department into the Department of Information, and transformed it into an effective Government information disseminating unit to bridge the communication gap between the government and the governed.
After the war, it was renamed the Public Relations Department with an oversight responsibility for the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, the Ghana News Agency and the Ghana Film Industry Corporation until they were de-coupled to form separate entities.
After the February 24 Revolution in 1966, the then Ministry of Information and the Department of Information Services was merged to become the Central publicity Agent of the Government
The Department was split in 1971 to become Public Relations Secretariat and the Public Relations Department which is now known as the Ministry of Information and the Information Services Department respectively. It was re-structured to disseminate information on government policies and programmes.
Profile of ISD
The Information Services Department (ISD) is an institution of government mandated to disseminate information on government policies, programmes and activities for national development and also get feedback on same to government.
This mandate is guided by the following legislative and regulatory frameworks;
- 1992 Constitution of Ghana
- Executive Instrument 2021(E.I 12)
- Right to Information Act 2019 (Act 989)
- Civil Service Act (Amendment Act) 600
- Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDC Law 327)
- other relevant legislation.
The Department is headed by an Ag. Director, who is answerable to the Minister in charge of Government Communication and required to provide technical and administrative leadership for the effective discharge of the mandate, functions and objectives of the Department.
The Department has a national network that includes offices in all sixteen (16) regional capitals and two hundred and thirty-two (232) metropolitan, municipal and districts across the country. It also has four (4) foreign offices at Ghana missions abroad including London, New York, Washington and Beijing.
Our Vision
A smart modern ISD and the preferred choice for trusted and credible source of government information.
Our Mission
To disseminate information on government policies, programmes, and activities for national development, and provide feedback to the government.
Our Mandate
To effectively communicate government activities and initiatives that promote sustainable national development and citizen engagement.
National Coverage
16 Regional Offices
232 District Offices
Our Functions
- Effective communication strategies using qualified personnel and advanced technology to enhance national development.
- Keeping Ghanaians informed about developments in state and public institutions.
- Updating the Presidency, Ministries, and diplomatic missions abroad on local developments.
- Promoting the image of Ghana both locally and internationally.
- Sharing information on government policies and the activities of state officials.
- Maintaining official state paraphernalia including national symbols and identity kits
- other relevant legislation.
