Department of Development Communication

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Examining Floods in Accra: A Community Approach to Disaster Preparedness in the Ga South District Assembly, Weija
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-09) Asamoah, Anita Selassie
Ghanaians are increasingly finding themselves exposed to various forms of disasters more importantly, floods. Concerns have, however, been raised on how prepared and equipped most residents are towards disaster in their communities. As such, this study was designed to ascertain the extent of community preparedness for disasters in some selected settlements in Weija. Weija was selected as the study area for this research because of its proneness to flooding due to heavy rains and also the spillage of the Weija dam. The study utilizes both quantitative and qualitative method of data collection to identify causes of flooding and preparedness measures that are put in place. The research revealed that members in the surveyed communities were not the least prepared for disasters in that they did not have an effective early warning system in place. Also, the Disaster Volunteer Groups (DVG's) in the community were not up to the speed because they lacked the knowledge and technical know-how to act as fust responders whilst awaiting external assistance. It was also revealed that a community based approach was not the current practice in the community since the resident, who would form the basis of this critical approach are not fully empowered.
Strategies for Improving and Sustaining Sanitation: The Role of Communication in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-09) Twumasi, Patrick
The research aimed at evaluating the current sanitation strategies of the Accra Metropolitan Assembly and examining innovative sanitation strategies for improving and sustaining sanitation: the role of communication in the Accra Metropolitan Assembly. Stakeholders in the sanitation industry within the Accra Metro, which is made up of the sub-Metros' District Environmental Health Officers and Workers, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Ghana were the subjects of the study. Out of a population of One hundred and ten (110), fifty (50) were randomly sampled. In the final analysis, the researcher found out that there was a significant level of low knowledge about the Ghana Environmental Health Sanitation Policy, which has been in the system for sixteen (16) years. The participation of stakeholders in the formulation of the sanitation policy was not appreciable as consultation took place at the Ministerial level leaving out the very players in the industry. The researcher also found out that, the Accra Metro was still using the old open dumping or crude dumping as well as discharging feacal matter directly into the sea without pre-treatment. Again, recycling which enable reuse and recovery of waste has not been employed extensively in the sanitation mix in the Accra Metro, as there is lack of funds. The findings are significant in the examination of the participatory theory of development communication.
Responsiveness of Oil and Gas Companies to Developmental Needs of Oil Communities: A Case of the People of Ellembele District
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-09) Sabah, Cecilia Akpene
Contemporary demands due to the end of the cold war, globalisation, revolution in information technology and the bifurcation of world politics have all dictated the re-examination of corporate-community relationship and instigated a movement towards corporate social responsibility practices. Therefore, the study sought to investigate responsiveness of oil corporations to development needs of host communities. The objective of the study was to: investigate how the Ellembelle District Assembly comes up with developmental needs of the people, determine how the Ellembelle District Assembly communicates their developmental needs to development partners, examine how oil and gas companies come up with their development programmes for host community, find out the level of responsiveness of oil companies to development needs of host communities and to possibly develop a communication strategy to assist both district assemblies and oil and gas companies in development partnership. The empirical data was generated from Eikwe and Sanzule communities in Ellembelle District using a systematic random sampling technique. The findings revealed that although participatory approaches are used in identifying development needs of the communities, it appears to be a bottom-up approach heavily influenced by a top-down approach.
Communicating Health Issues to the Rural Folks: The Role of the Community Information Centre. A Study of the Emmanuel Information Centre in Ofoase in the Asante-Akim South District
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-09) Prempeh, Dominic
It is believed that Community Information Centres have come to stay. In their duty of informing, educating and entertaining the local people, plentiful of these Community Information Centres have been communicating health in their various communities. This study was done to assess how Community Information Centres communicate health issues to the rural Ghanaian. The findings did show that Emmanuel Information Centre, the facility chosen for the study, follows some of the theoretical underpinnings (Media Advocacy Theory, Agenda Setting Theory, and Diffusion of Innovation Theory) reviewed under the study. The hard fact is that the communal people that are the recipients of this health communication are not involved in the communication process and the health programmes that are communicated to them. Another fact that came to bare is that Community Information Centres, with emphasis on Emmanuel Information Centre, make noise and create a sort of nuisance to the communal populace.
Festivals, Communication and Development: A Perspective from the Fetu Festival of Cape Coast, Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Wireko-Andoh, Vicky
This study investigates the Fetu Festival of the people of Cape Coast, also known as Oguaa, located in the Central Region of Ghana. It focuses on the cultural aspects of the festival to find out how they relate to communication and development. More specifically, the study examines the correlation between the festival and developments in the lifestyles of citizens, the community and possibly the country. In so doing, the study seeks to contribute to the global literature on the immediate links between festivals, communication and development from the perspective of the Fetu Festival of Ghana, which has received little research attention. The investigation was guided by the Participatory Communication Theory and which paved way for a qualitative inquiry involving face-to-face interviews with eleven (11) Key Opinion Formers (KOFs) in traditional culture, local politics and business as well as individual citizens in the research setting. The results of the study suggest that there is a correlation between the festival communication and development. The study brings to the fore the importance of a festival in a society as a unique culture that facilitates the building of valuable social norms such as solidarity, networking and trust in a community and identifies how such characteristics have the potential to impact on the development of local and sometimes national economies while benefitting individuals and communities.
Reporting the Dark Continent: A Framing Analysis of the New York Times and Daily Graphic Reportage on the 2014-2015 Ebola Outbreak
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Bannerman, Alexander
This study looks at the media coverage on outbreak of the Ebola virus in three West African states, namely Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia and exported to others as far as Europe and North America. A content analysis of the content of Ghana's Daily Graphic and United States' New York Times were performed for the study in a comparative context. The purpose of the study was to determine the depth of reportage, the context and presentation of the affected countries, key messages carried in the news stories, and stereotypes thereof. The findings suggest that the local media lacked depth and content, while the western media had depth and details but inclined towards stereotyping. Also, the outlook and content of the local media depended heavily on the source of their stories.
Press Coverage of Child Labour in Ghana: A Content Analysis of the Daily Graphic Newspaper (2010-2014)
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Ansong, Jemima
The study assessed press coverage of Child Labour in the Daily Graphic from January 2010 to December 20 14, with focus on the following; the amount of coverage, nature of story, type of child labour, and prominence of stories in terms of placement of stories and use of photographs. Using Cont ent analysis the study utilized a sample size of 40 m1icles on child labour from a total of about 1,862 newspapers published by Daily Graphic within the time frame. The data collected and analysed indicated that minimal attention is given to child labour stories in the Daily Graphic. Only one front page article out of the 40 articles published on Child Labour was found . The rests of the stories were buried within the inside pages of the newspapers. Also the study disclosed that majority of the articles on child labour published were report-based; where journalists were invited to cover an event. The study indicated that there is the need for the Daily Graphic to give more prominence to the coverage of child labour issues by publishing more articles with the view to raising awareness and prioritizing child labour issues.
Newspaper Coverage of Parliament of Ghana: A Study of the Daily Graphic and Daily Guide Newspapers
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Belley, Harrison Kofi
The study was designed and carried out to investigate, through content analysis, how the Ghanaian media reports Parliament and the extent to which it provides citizens with a broad range of information, interpretation and debate on national issues. It was undertaken against the background of the fact that Ghana returned to a multi-party democracy since 1993 and as in any democracy, the media is believed to play a public sphere role by informing citizens and helping them engage in public discourses. The focus of this research was not the numerical incidence of newspaper coverage of Parliament but the nature of coverage, particularly the extent to which reportage of the legislature provides information, interpretation and debate on issues that affect citizens. The method used in this study is content analysis. Seventy-two (72) editions of both the Daily Graphic and the Daily Guide newspapers and in all, Ninety (90) news items were content analysed. The study established that though the media in Ghana does inform citizens about what is happening in Parliament, it falls far short of educating them on the meaning and significance of the facts deriving there from. The study further revealed that the newspapers do not provide context, background and/or interpretation to the facts. It also revealed that newspaper content in Ghana lacks the kind of policy, political and operational information contrived to inform public opinion, empower citizens and encourage wide and inclusive debate about issues of social, economic and political importance.
How Communication Contributes to Effective Performance in Ghanaian Organisations: A Study of Mobile Telephony Network Ghana Limited (M.T.N)
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Sulemana, Rahinatu
Communication is very essential in promoting employees performance in every organization. However institutions seem to downplay the essence in of this vital ingredient in the line of production. This research therefore aimed to investigate and bring to light the positive correlation between communication and enhanced output of employees using Mobile Telephony Network Ghana Limited as a case study. The research made use of a quantitative approach. Using a purposive sampling three branches plus the head office of Mobile Telephony Network were selected. At the 3 branches 3 staff were randomly selected from each of the three levels of management. Same sampling was done for the head office except that in that case the lower level management were 6. Thus a data was gathered by administering a questionnaire to 50 staff of Mobile Telephony Network Ghana Limited at 4 different office locations in Accra. Data was analyzed quantitatively/thematically. Results of the study primarily showed that effective communication leads to enhancement in the performance of employees. Given good interaction between managers and subordinates the performance of employees increase. Also it became clear that communication not handled well could affect negatively the output of employees. Illness, emotions, the use of proverbs and generalizations and outdated equipment are some of the barriers to effective communication in organizations. Thus to enhance productity of organizations communication should be effective among co-workers and between managers and employees.
Examination of the Sources of Contraceptive Information and use Among Out-Of-School Youth of Gbawe
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Ardayfio, Rosemary
Reproductive health is vital and the access to right contraceptive information and good use by the youth can help promote their health. Sensitivities to sex-related issues however create barriers to sexual and reproductive health information, support and practices. There have been attempts to improve knowledge among the youth but this appears to be skewed towards the more educated youth. This research therefore aimed at investigating how out-of-school youth of Gbawe obtain contraceptive information, how much of the information they receive and the behaviour outcomes from acquired contraceptive information among out-of-school of Gbawe. The research adopted the descriptive survey design, involving quantitative and qualitative methods. Using a purposive sampling method, thirty (30) out-of-school youth aged between 15 and 35 years were purposely sampled and administered questionnaires. Data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively/thematically. Results show that all the youth interviewed knew about contraceptives but only a few used them. Condoms and pills were the most commonly known contraceptives. The main sources of contraceptive information were the media (TV and radio), health centre and friends. Emerging sources of contraceptive information were the Internet and phones. Implications are that there is a need for the right and strategic use of channels/media to disseminate contraceptive information to serve the need of the sexually active out-of-school youth. In doing this the factors, especially language, should be taken into consideration.
Coverage of Encroachment of Water Bodies in the Daily Graphic and the Chronicle (Jan - Dec 2014 Editions)
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Afriyie, Deborah Owusu
The study examined the Daily Graphic and the Chronicle's coverage of encroachment of water bodies. The objectives were to ascertain the frequency and prominence given to such news as well as finally make suggestions based on findings. Thus, the quantitative research technique of content analysis was employed in the achievement of these objectives. Results of the study showed that, the total number of times the Daily Graphic published stories on encroachment of water bodies out of their 317 publication was 57. The Chronicle also published 17 stories out of the 317 publications. On the issue of prominence, the Daily Graphic published most of its stories on encroachment of water bodies on other pages whereas the Chronicle published most of its stories on the center page. For instance, the Chronicle recorded 56.25% on stories published on its center pages whilst the Daily Graphic recorded 55.2% for stories published on the other pages. This clearly shows that both newspapers can improve their coverage of encroachment of water bodies by giving it adequate prominence and frequency. It is important for the press to attach pictures (illustrations) to their stories in order to affect the emotions of the people and motivate them to take an action or look at the issues seriously. Again it is important for the press to make follow ups on such stories to ensure actions are being taken to curb this menace in our society.
Influences And Implications of Anthroponyms: The Case of Suuryee among the Dagara of Northern Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Tuor, Donald Ngmeneabangne
This study investigates the socio-cultural importance of personal names among the Dagara of Ghana. Specifically, it strove to discover the extent to which Suuryee, a category of Dagara anthroponyms, influence behaviour and can function as a medium of communication for development. This is an important subject because although some studies have discussed names in general in Ghana (see Bemile 1991, 2015; Agyekum 2006), very few studies have focused specifically on the possible influences and implications of names, particularly Suuryee on the Dagara of Ghana. The study is guided by three theories: Jahoda's (1954) Self-fulfilling Prophecy Theory, which establishes an intrinsic link between names and behaviour; the Participatory theory of communication, a two-way process that advocates communication from the socio-cultural perspective of the beneficiary group; and Roodney's (2009) model of development, which argues that development emanates from both the mindset and behavioural patterns. In terms of methodology, the study adopts a qualitative research approach that used an in-depth interview of sampled population of the people of the research area. The study discovered that there is a range of socio-cultural underpitnnings of Suuryee and several motivations for these names; that there is a strong influence of Suuryee on their bearers; and that Suuryee have implications for communication and development. The study also discovered that many Suuryee convey a high degree of rancour and resentment even as they connote positive behavioural implications. This props up Suuryee as interesting phenomena that could be underpinned by deep socio-cultural concerns, the full scope of which this study did not cover. The study, therefore, suggests that researchers should delve more into Suuryee and other categories of Dagara anthroponyms as well as personal names of other ethnic groups in Ghana, to provide further insight into possible benefits or otherwise of such names.
A Historical Overview of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority after Decoupling in 2007
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Kaamekpo, Michael Kwasi Exorman
This study examines and presents the historical overview and development of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority from 2007 when it decoupled its regulatory and air navigation services provision, from the airport operational functions, till current state. It also explored some significant and key milestones, administrative and operational structures, Director-Generals at various stages, challenges and the future of the Authority. The historical method was employed here because the interest is focused on reporting events and/or conditions that occurred since 2007, while attempting to establish facts in order to arrive at conclusions concerning past events or predict future events. This research was steered by three questions and two hypotheses that try to discover: Why civil aviation was decoupled, what significant milestones there are and what vision is being pursued. This study is to fill-in the gaps identified from the earlier work of Dr. E. R. K. Dwemoh, (after 2007) the first Director of Civil Aviation.
Ghana's Debt Syndrome: The Perspective of Ghanaian Journalists
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Gagakuma, Setriakor Kwesi
The study solicited the perspectives of some selected Ghanaian journalists because they (journalists) are the gatekeepers and agenda setters in our society concerning the debt situation of Ghana. The aim was to establish their level of knowledge about the subject matter so as to ascertain the reliability of the information they feed the public with regard to the debt situation of Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative approach with the help of unstructured interview to gather data. Narrative and analytical approach was used in analyzing the data. Using a purposive sampling technique, four (4) journalists from the radio and print media were interviewed. The results of the study showed that Ghanaian journalists have a fair knowledge about Ghana's debt portfolio. However, they showed much concern about the rising debt of the country. The study also showed that journalists in Ghana have a high level of understanding about the implications of Ghana's soaring debt. They were also able to offer insightful suggestions as how Ghana could reduce and manage its debt burden. The study recommended that journalists in Ghana should periodically update themselves with statistics in relation to the economic happenings of the country.
The Role of Communication in the Promotion of Paragliding as a Tourism Event in Ghana: A Perspective of the Ghana Tourism Authority
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Nelson, Jones A.
The study examines the role of communication in the promotion of paragliding as a tourism event in Ghana. It looks at the application of communication tools by the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and how they apply to the promotion of paragliding. The staff of Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) were purposely sampled and interviewed The procedure of selection was the purposive sampling technique and thematic analysis was used to analyze the responses. The findings reveal that respondents are aware of the importance of the role of communication in the promotion of paragliding in Ghana. Again, the study reveals that Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) currently does not have a planned communication strategy for their operations for promoting paragliding. Inasmuch as there is the lack of a communication strategy, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) mostly relies on the traditional media to disseminate information about the paragliding event. The study suggests that the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) should improve their promotional activities of the paragliding event through an intensive publicity plan.
Assessing the Effects of SSNIT Communication Strategies on the Need for Active Contributors to Check on their Contributions
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Corquaye, Georgina Karen
The study was undertaken to assess the effects of SSNITs communication strategies on the need for active contributors to check on their contributions. It was revealed that most of the respondents want to know how much they earn, how much is deducted from their salary and how much their employers add when they were asked to show the kind of information they frequently will want to have knowledge of. The study revealed that text messaging is the most popularly known channel of communication. The internet and interpersonal communication channels were also mentioned. Most of the respondents often use their preferred channels of communication. The study also recommends that SSNIT needs to improve upon the conditions of service offered their clients and run regular checks on their contributors on issues concerning their contributions especially when they detect their employers are not playing their part of the contribution
Voices from the Margins: Participation, Empowerment, Development and the Role of Community Radio in Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Ghartey-Tagoe, David Kwesi
This study is an exploratory analysis and examination of community radio in Ghana, and how community radio provides voice to marginalized communities to develop accountable-governance radio programmes. It seeks to provide evidence of the dominance of radio ownership and usage in Ghana and elsewhere as compared to other media. It establishes that it is therefore the appropriate medium for development efforts. It further describes community radio's engagement with rural and marginalized communities to exercise their right to communicate and participate in the process of empowerment and development. Analysis of the study focuses on how community radio does this by using holistic process of participatory radio programme development that integrates community research, training, programme design, production, broadcast and evaluation. Specific examples are cited, such as the radio programme series on Community Participation in Local Governance (CPLG). Again, the participatory tools used in the process are explored. The study concludes that participatory radio programme development process serves to enhance cultural identity, community mobilization, conflict management, transparency, accountability and decision making. That community radio is a viable communication strategy for rural and national cohesion and development needs further study.
The Role of Communication in the Promotion of Tourism: An Analysis of the Point of View of the Staff of Ghana Tourism Authority
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Bamba, Ouaraba
The study was to analyse the role of communication in promoting tourism in Ghana. It focused on the communication activities of the staff of Ghana Tourism Authority. An appropriate questionnaire was designed to elicit responses from the sampled population. Appropriate data collections tools and methodology was used to analyse gathered data. The quantitative method was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed that from the view of GTA staffs communication in the form of media; ICT, culture etc. are used to promote tourism. Again the research confirmed inadequate finance (budgetary allocation) as the major challenge (24.24%) out from the staff bedevilling the tourism industry. Finally, the study revealed that the study revealed that majority of the respondent representing 27.27% suggested that proper tourism education on media and in schools. The staffs of GTA believe more needs to be done to really market Ghana. However, there have been several challenges facing the industry. The study revealed that major challenge facing the GTA is the inadequate budget allocation from government.
The Effect of Showing Television Programmes During Working Hours: A Case Study of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Klakani, Stephen Yao
This research examined the impact of LA GATA in the context of organizational productivity and employees performances by looking at how the showing of LA GATA during working hours (2pm-3:30pm) affect the organization and employees' performance with focus on areas like watching television during working hours, conscious effort made by employees to watch LA GATA during working hours and their views on the replay of LA GATA during working hours. The research was conducted at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation in Accra. Purposive sampling technique was used to identify respondents due to the strategic locations of Television in their offices. Questionnaire was the main tool used in collecting data from respondents. The research findings revealed that the watching of LA GATA during working hours is one of the main causes of underperformance and organizational decline in productivity; highlighting areas like idleness, boredom, job un-satisfaction and non-existence of motivation for extra ordinary performances done by employees are some of the factors leading to employees involvement in watching LA GATA during official hours. The research concluded that the watching of LA GATA during working hours does organizations more harm than good notwithstanding the moral lessons staff claim they learn from it and therefore recommended that management of the organization should come up with an effective means to progressively monitor staff and also introduce incentive packages like promotions, increase in salaries among many others.
Radio as an Agent for Social Change: A Study of Obonu FM
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Owusu-Ofori, Frank
The study was undertaken to evaluate the role radio played in bringing social change in community development by accessing the effectiveness of Obonu FM. This was done by also assessing the general role of radio as an agent of social change. It was revealed that there is marginalisation of indigenous culture, norms and ideologies by the state-owned and, private media. There is also the sense that participation in the media and a sense of ownership in its operations are missing in the other forms of broadcasting. This calls for another force to whip up interest and participation in the media by the local people. The study also shows that Obonu FM is not really a community radio station technically speaking as station does not consult the members of the public before they develop their programmes. However, they give room for the people to participate through phone-ins, and through social media platforms that compensates for the initial inertia about public involvement.

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