Cultural and educational implications of the COVID-19 global pandemic in Ghana

Abstract

The study is a qualitative inquiry into the cultural and educational implications of the COVID-19 global pandemic in Ghana from the 3rd of March to the 16th of April, 2020. Thirty-Eight conveniently sampled study participants consisting of teachers, informal sector workers, health workers, and news reporters from the two epicentres of the COVID-19 in Ghana were recruited for the study. Data were generated via face-to-face, telephone, and video interviews and published news reports on the COVID-19. Data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive thematic analysis, and document analysis. The findings revealed that the myths and misinformation on the infection and prevention of the COVID-19 are shrouded in the cultural beliefs of Ghanaians. In terms of education, there is a weak implementation of online education in Ghana due to the lack of technical know-how and technological gadgets as well as the high costs of internet infrastructure. The study suggests the use of a culture-driven public health education strategy and the re-creation of a robust educational system that uses blended learning approaches in Ghana.