Examining the level of public awareness on the Sustainable Development Goals in Africa: An empirical evidence from Ghana

Daniel Odoom (), Eric Opoku Mensah, Christopher Dick-Sagoe, Ka Yiu Lee, Ernest Opoku and Joseph Obeng-Baah
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Daniel Odoom: University of Media, Arts and Communication (Ghana Institute of Journalism Campus)
Eric Opoku Mensah: University of Media, Arts and Communication (Ghana Institute of Journalism Campus)
Christopher Dick-Sagoe: University of Botswana
Ka Yiu Lee: Mid Sweden University
Ernest Opoku: University of Cape Coast
Joseph Obeng-Baah: University of Media, Arts and Communication (Ghana Institute of Journalism Campus)

Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, 2024, vol. 26, issue 3, No 28, 6238 pages

Abstract: Abstract Nations which are part of the United Nations are required to institute appropriate measures to fulfil the vision of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). However, for this to be possible, all stakeholders including the general public need to be fully aware of the SDGs. This research examined the level of public awareness about the SDGs among Ghanaians based on the views of 431 respondents. Means, standard deviation, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis and Pearson Product-Moment Correlations were used for data analysis. The study found that awareness level on SDG 1 (ending poverty), SDG 2 (zero hunger, food security, nutrition and sustainable agriculture), SDG 3 (health and well-being), SDG 5 (gender equality), and SDG 6 (clean water and sanitation) was high among Ghanaians. However, awareness level on SDG 9 (industry, innovation and infrastructure), SDG 14 (conservation of life below water), and SDG 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions) was very low among Ghanaians. No significant difference manifested in the level of awareness among male and female Ghanaians. There were statistically significant differences in educational levels of respondents and their overall level of awareness of the SDGs. Also, there was a low, negative correlation between overall level of awareness and the effectiveness of the communication strategies used in creating awareness about the SDGs. Government should re-examine its communication strategies on the SDGs and put in place a more effective communication policy framework which involves grassroots populations and local communities.

Keywords: Public awareness; Communication; Sustainable development; Communication strategy; SDGs (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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DOI: 10.1007/s10668-023-02959-x

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