Presentation Schedule
Selected Online Media Coverage of Mental Health Issues in Ghana (106978)
Session Chair: Azza Ahmed
Sunday, 12 July 2026 13:45
Session: Session 3
Room: UCL Torrington, G20 (Ground Floor)
Presentation Type:Oral Presentation
Ghana has over 2.3 million people living with mental health disorders, yet about 98% do not receive treatment, underscoring the urgent need for greater public awareness, accessible care, and community support. The media plays a critical role in addressing this gap by shaping public understanding and prioritising mental health issues. This study examines the salience and framing of mental health coverage on two purposively selected Ghanaian online news portals - Graphiconline.com.gh and MyJoyOnline.com. Using qualitative content analysis, the study analyses 94 purposively selected mental health stories published on the two platforms. Guided by agenda-setting and media framing theories, the findings reveal that, overall, mental health issues received limited attention, despite the frequent use of images and hyperlinks intended to enhance visibility and agenda-setting. Four dominant frames emerged from the coverage: call to action, public health crisis, vulnerability, and policy reform. The study concludes that although mental health stories were not highly prioritised, the predominantly positive framing of these issues has the potential to shape public discourse and encourage greater societal and policy attention to mental health in Ghana.
Authors:
Elizabeth Owusu Asiamah, University of Education, Ghana
Gifty Appiah-Adjei, University of Ghana, Ghana
About the Presenter(s)
Ms Elizabeth Owusu Asiamah is a University Doctoral Student at University of Education, Winneba in Ghana
See this presentation on the full schedule – Sunday Schedule
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