Policy In Plain Language: Bridging The Gap Between Government And The People

Written By: Pearlvis Atsu Kuadey, Video Journalist

Policies are drafted, every now and then and implemented, some with far-reaching consequences. Many citizens are lost on these policies and they work, to affect their daily life. The gap between policy design and public understanding is not just a communication problem, but a democratic one. A citizen cannot hold a government accountable for what they do not comprehend. A nation cannot thrive on policies people do not trust, especially if they were never properly explained. It is not enough for policymakers to speak in press briefings and technical jargon. The real task lies in explaning the complexity into clarity. Policies must be explained not only in English, and for that matter in our local languages but in understanding through radio, in community forums, and in plain speech. Every housing scheme, tax reform, or education plan should be communicated with the same urgency as a public health warning, because its impact can be just as personal.

For instance, the recent appreciation of the Ghanaian cedi. In the first five months of 2025 which saw an appreciation of more than 20 % against the US dollar. What does this mean for the average Ghanaian? For a trader in Tamale, it could mean that imported goods become slightly cheaper, easing the burden on their business. For a parent in Cape Coast, it might translate to more affordable school supplies for their children. Yet, without clear communication from policymakers, these potential benefits remain abstract concepts, and disconnected from daily life. Consider the launch of GoldBod. Ghana’s new gold board is meant to formalize gold trading, stabilize the economy, and increase revenue. It sounds technical, but it could mean fairer prices for small-scale miners, better job opportunities, and a stronger cedi. Yet, without explanation, many Ghanaians will not connect this policy to the cost of bread and butter?

The government’s 2025 Budget Statement, which focused on “Resetting the Economy for the Ghana We Want,” outlines ambitious plans for economic recovery and growth. However, the success of these initiatives hinges on public understanding and support. Citizens must be informed about how these policies will impact their lives, from job creation to infrastructure development. Beyond government, the responsibility also lies with civil society organisations and think tanks. These institutions are not just watchdogs, they are bridges. Their job is not only to critique but to educate. If a new agricultural subsidy is rolled out, citizens should know exactly how to access it. If energy tariffs change, people should be able to tell not only what’s going up, but why and what they can do about it. There is also the media, not just to report what was said at a press conference, but to translate jargon into meaning. To break down budgets into baskets of food. To explain the difference between economic growth and personal struggle. When policies remain locked in officialdom, the media must unlock them. Not with fear or favour but with facts, context, and clarity. With the goodwill Ghanaians continue to show towards efforts by the government, this is the time to ride the wave.

This calls for a new culture of policy storytelling. It means presenting data not as spreadsheets, but as stories of how a single mother in Kasoa or a teacher in Ho will be affected. It means tracking implementation in real time and feeding that knowledge back to the people. The truth is, too many policies in Ghana live and die in documents. They remain distant, misunderstood, or reduced to slogans. Yet these are the very blueprints of our collective future. We need a citizenry that is not just informed during elections, but continuously engaged. That engagement begins with understanding. Understanding begins with the courage of institutions not just to speak truth to power, but to people. The policy process must move from Accra to the everyday Ghanaian, because when citizens understand policy, they don’t just react to change, they help shape it.

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