The Research Division is responsible for the collation of accurate and timely feedback on Government policies, programmes, and perception from the citizenry through scientific means, monitoring of activities in the media space and the documentation of collated information. The Division accomplishes this through its Statistics, Media Monitoring and Library and Documentation Unit. This information is essential for the Government to stay up-to-date on current trends and public perceptions on the actions and inactions of the government and its functionaries.
Some Accomplishments of the Research Division
- Conducted a successful pre and post research survey on the public’s perception on the government implementation of electronic levy policy in 2022.
- Successfully conducted a public perception survey on the easing of the COVID-19 restrictions in May 2020.
- Organized a nationwide survey in June 2021 on the public’s sentiment on the security situation in the country to ascertain the confidence of Ghanaians in government through the security agencies.
- Successfully executed a survey on the “Making Accra Work Again” initiative in July 2021.
- The library has in storage unique historical data on events, monuments, artefacts and Ghana’s political history.
- Monitoring and reporting to the National Media Commission and Securities Exchange Commission on media outlets broadcasting money doubling and Ponzi schemes programmes.
- The Media Monitoring Unit provides factual and accurate Presidential Daily Briefings, Morning Shows and Midday News alerts (Demands, Allegations, Accusations and Agitations) to the government through the Minister of Information.
Units under Research Division
- Statistics Unit
- Library and Documentation Unit
- Media Monitoring Unit
Statistics Unit
The Statistics Unit of the Research Division is mandated to systematically collect, analyze, and interpret data on public opinions on government programmes, policies, and activities. The Unit achieves this role by administering questionnaires across all the Two Hundred and Sixty-One (261) districts through its Regional, Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Information Officers.
Functions of the Statistics Unit
- The Unit conducts nationwide surveys on matters or topics of public interest.
- Interprets survey results for reports and presentations.
- Provides situational and public reaction reports to the Government.
- Compiles informative factsheets for the public.
- Develops recommendations based on research.
Library and Documentation Unit
The Library and Documentation Unit serves as a repository for a wide range of literature, including government documents (both past and present), factsheets on significant national events and various national issues.
Functions of the Library
- Organizing and cataloguing of information resources for easy access and retrieval.
- Serve as a reference source for both the general public and in-house researchers.
- Preserving and archiving of historical data on events, monuments, artefacts.
The National Information Contact Centre (INFO311)
The Media Monitoring Unit systematically track, analyze, and interpret various media sources, including traditional media (Television, Radio, Print) and online sources (New Media, blogs, portals), to gather relevant information and public opinion on government policies and programmes. This assists the government in making informed decisions, manage crises, track and respond to misinformation and disinformation, and gauge the effectiveness of government communication strategies to enhance its reputation.
Functions of the Media Monitoring Unit:
- The Unit is to assist the government stay informed about public sentiment, assess the impact of media coverage on the government’s reputation and public perception of the government, its policies, programmes, appointees and functionaries.
- To assist the government make informed decisions, manage crises, track and respond to misinformation and disinformation, and gauge the effectiveness of government communication strategies to enhance its reputation.
- Generate Presidential Daily Briefings report for the government
- Flag the government in real-time on Demands, Accusations, Allegations and Agitations including Bad Press in the media landscape
- Generate Alerts from the Morning Shows discussions across the radio and television stations monitored for the government
- Generate Alerts from the Midday News for the government
- Report to the National Media Commission (NMC) and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on media outlets broadcasting money doubling and Ponzi Schemes programmes for prompt action.
