Ghanaian politicians, wake up: The old communication playbook is obsolete
In my candid opinion, I think Ghanaian politicians must wake up and smell the coffee As a public relations consultant, I have become increasingly fascinated and sometimes concerned by how some Ghanaian politicians communicate in this day and age. Quite frankly, some still communicate as though we are living in the pre-2000 era, when information […]
Ghanaian politicians must recognize that the traditional communication strategies employed in the past are now obsolete, according to Dr Noel Nutsugah, a public relations consultant and Senior Lecturer at the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC). In the digital age, politicians cannot rely on simply making loud claims and ignoring challenges.
The rapid dissemination of information means that any inconsistency in a politician's statements or promises can be quickly verified, recorded, and shared online. This shift has given citizens the power to act as fact-checkers, publishers, archivists, and commentators, demanding evidence and credibility from those in public office.
PR professionals must move from message management to credibility management, focusing on honest communication, anticipating issues, managing expectations, and protecting relationships with stakeholders. The Ghanaian electorate is now a digitally connected citizenry that expects accountability and is becoming increasingly adept at detecting communication that treats them as gullible.
Politicians should not attempt to manufacture credibility through deceptive practices, as this can quickly backfire. Instead, they should strive to communicate honestly, acknowledge mistakes, and manage their public image in a rapidly evolving information environment.
Written by urgent.news from MyJoyOnline Ghana's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
