Not too long ago, whereas reviewing my disaster communication notes from the College of Media, Arts and Communication, I used to be reminded of a key precept: a disaster can current alternatives. However this lesson felt hole till I noticed how a latest public drama unfolded.
The disaster? Ralph – sure, the identical outspoken #FixtheCountry activist – stormed Ridge Hospital, cellphone in hand, and went dwell on social media alleging misconduct and neglect within the emergency ward. For individuals who know Ralph, this was not out of character.
He’s the activist who famously broke into the controversial Nationwide Cathedral web site, instructions litterbugs to choose up trash, and as soon as confronted a Member of Parliament in public. His voice is daring, his model confrontational, and his main weapon? Social media.
This time, Ralph claimed sufferers have been being ignored. Injured himself, he ranted in actual time, demanding motion. However what ensued was chaos. Whereas some applauded his boldness, many condemned him for breaching affected person privateness and creating pressure in a spot that ought to have been calm. Outdated feedback attributed to him – like a surprising reference to Ghanaians as animals – resurfaced, fueling outrage.
Then got here a twist: a nurse alleged Ralph’s intrusion led to assault, a stolen cellphone and lacking money. The Ghana Registered Nurses and Midwives Affiliation (GRNMA) stepped in, and its Common Secretary went on air angrily blasting Ralph – and even the Well being Minister; for issuing a extra impartial press assertion, instigating an investigation, and shaking Ralph’s hand.
His language? Unfiltered and combative, with phrases like “silly” and “nonsense” flying in native dialect. The Affiliation issued a 48-hour ultimatum for Ralph’s arrest, regardless that the Well being Minister would quickly reveal that some arrests had been made. What would they do after the ultimatum elapsed? Based on the Common Secretary, they’d contemplated shutting down the emergency ward in protest of the alleged assault and authorities inaction.
The scenario spiralled. The Common Secretary warned on dwell radio that journalists who spoke foolishly about nurses have been being “marked” – a phrase in Ghanaian parlance that appears like a risk.
Days later, an investigative report revealed inconsistencies: the alleged bodily assault and dislocated shoulder have been unsubstantiated.
In the meantime, the nurse had already acquired a brand new cellphone and money compensation from the Hospital. GRNMA’s credibility took successful.
This, to me, is a textbook case of a disaster alternative misplaced. Right here’s why:
4 pportunities GRNMA missed
- Emphasize Protocols – They might have strongly defined why activists can not disrupt hospital emergency areas with out compromising care. As a substitute, that message drowned in noise.
- Educate on Triage – A golden likelihood to show residents how emergency circumstances are prioritized. Missed.
- Make clear Affected person & Workers Rights – They might have positioned themselves as champions for each sufferers and nurses, explaining authorized rights and privateness points. Silence.
- Present Correct Grievance Channels – They might have launched or highlighted formal mechanisms for reporting negligence, just like the hotlines the Well being Ministry later introduced.
Dealt with strategically, this disaster may have enhanced GRNMA’s picture as defending of its members, skilled, clear, and patient-focused. As a substitute, threats, exaggerations, and emotional outbursts left their credibility in query; whereas Ralph, paradoxically, emerged wanting vindicated.
Lesson: In disaster communication, fact and technique trump drama. The GRNMA didn’t have to exaggerate or struggle journalists to guard its members. They wanted to speak responsibly. This was a masterclass in how to not handle a disaster.
Subsequent time, let’s hope they flip the storm right into a highlight, not a stain. Pen drops, softly!
Concerning the creator, Pious D. Serwonu, is a postgraduate scholar on the College of Media, Arts and Communication and a working towards Public Affairs Officer with a decade of expertise in public relations. His analysis pursuits embrace disaster communication and company social accountability. He’s enthusiastic about utilizing communication to contribute to a greater Ghana and a more healthy globe.
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DISCLAIMER: The Views, Feedback, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform don’t essentially signify the views or coverage of Multimedia Group Restricted.
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