Faculty of Integrated Communication Sciences

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Examining the Preparedness of an Emerging Economy Towards e-Government Implementations: SWOT Analysis
(Southwest Decision Sciences Institute Conference, 2011) Andoh-Baidoo, Francis Kofi; Agyepong, Lawrencia
The last decade has witnessed a number of governments around the world working to capture the vast potential of the Internet to improve government processes. Egovernment development very often aims to improve public service delivery capability, as well as public administration governance, transparency, and accountability through the development of e-government service delivery capability. E-government has established itself as the transforming element in the way government services are offered to citizens in developed countries. Although this phenomenon is beginning to show promising results in many developing countries, countries like Ghana are still grappling with the challenge to embrace the opportunities that e-governance presents in order to meet the public needs and expectations while being cost-effective. The purpose of this paper therefore is to present a SWOT analysis of e-government implementation in Ghana.
Situating Language at the Centre of Journalism Training: The Case for Broadening the Spheres of English Teaching and Learning in Journalism Training Institutions in Ghana
(Global Media Journal: African Edition, 2011-11) Fosu, Modestus
This paper derives its impetus from the consensus today that the media play an indispensable role indemocratic governance for sustained development. The media foster, most importantly, accountability,transparency, rule of law, respect for human rights, and civic participation, which are vital in securing theeconomic well-being of a people. Language, as the main vehicle that drives communication or journalisticimperatives to the “consumer”, thus becomes a critical factor.The focus here is on the effective and appropriate use of English (Ghana’s official language) innewspapers in Ghana. It is argued that the majority of newspapers display linguistic ineptitude, therebyweakening their capacity to package and make development-oriented messages accessible to the reader.Specifically, the majority of newspapers present news in grammatically faulty and semantically confusingconstructions that blur meaning. Thus, through a comparative study of the English and English-relatedcourses in four journalism training institutions in Ghana and the English provisions in the latest UNESCOjournalism curricula for Africa (2007), the study shows that English competence appears to be taken forgranted in the training institutions.This paper therefore argues for journalism education in Ghana to focus on helping trainee journalists toacquire English language competency. A more worthwhile complement will be to de-emphasise the“core” journalism or media knowledge and skills students are made to focus all their attention on in theschools and rather emphasise English use and usage. The paper suggests a reorganisation of Englishstudies including institutional structure, curriculum and syllabus development, infrastructure, teaching,and learning methodology as ways of broadening English language pedagogy to produce the calibre ofjournalists who can really champion the democratic and developmental aspirations of Ghana and Africa.
e-Government Readiness in Ghana: a SWOT and PEST Analyses
(Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. (Electronic Government, An International Journal), 2012-10) Andoh-Baidoo, Francis Kofi; Babb, Jeffry Stephen; Agyepong, Lawrencia
E-Government has transformed how governments provide effi cient and effective services to citizens, businesses and other government agencies in both developed and developing nations. For developing nations, a context-oriented approach should be considered for a successful implementation of e-government. The paper examines the e-government readiness of Ghana, a developing nation in Africa. We employ a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) and PEST (Political, Economic, Social and Technological) analysis of Ghana’s readiness to successfully implement e-government. We provide implications for practice and research. The analysis framework used in this study can be applied for other South-Saharan Nations.
Convergence, Citizens Engagement and Democratic Sustainability in Emerging Democracies: The Case of Ghana and Nigeria
(Journal of Mass Communication & Journalism, 2012-12) Fosu, Modestus; Ufuoma, Akpojivi
In this era of globalisation, information accessibility is becoming more and more crucial to empower citizens in their political, economic and socio-cultural engagements. However, in emerging democracies there are certain factors, that is, economic, cultural and political, which are still hindering the vast majority of the population from being included in the media and democratic discourse. Nevertheless, a new phenomenon of communication convergence is evolving in emerging democracies like Ghana and Nigeria, which is providing platforms for wide citizen engagements in the political and social discourse in societies. Communication convergence here involves the interaction of radio, television, newspapers, mobile phones and audiences as participants at the same forum in the media sphere. This phenomenon has radically enhanced citizens’ participation in the democratic processes in Ghana and Nigeria respectively. Proceeding from a phenomenological perspective, this paper shall discuss the media convergence practices in Ghana and Nigeria in relation to political engagements as well as citizens engagements using case studies of a regular radio programme (Kokrokoo, on Peace FM) in Ghana and a regular TV programme (Sunrise Daily, on Channel TV) in Nigeria. The paper will argue that citizens’ engagements as a result of the convergence of the mass media are central to the survival of democracy in both countries if properly harnessed.
Local Revenue Mobilization Mechanisms: Evidence from the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District in Ghana
(Developing Country Studies, 2014) Opoku, Ernest; Kyeremeh, Christian; Odoom, Daniel
This paper examined the local revenue mobilization mechanisms in the Abura-Asebu-Kwamankese District in Ghana. A total of 214 respondents made up of 20 officials of the Assembly and 194 tax payers were involved in the study. The study demonstrated that despite the availability of other sources of local revenue, the Assembly was yet to take advantage of them. The strength of the Assembly’s local revenue collection measures included revenue collectors’ inclusion in tax decisions, house-to-house collection, and database. However, the weaknesses included poor taxpayer participation in tax decisions, inadequate personnel for revenue mobilization and poor cash management systems and accountability mechanisms at the Assembly. Some of the challenges the Assembly faced in improving local revenue generation were unwillingness on the part of the taxpayers to meet tax obligation, low pace of development and political considerations. It is recommended that the Assembly should put in place strong monitoring and supervisory mechanisms to check the revenue collectors, sanctions defaulting collectors, and also create room for private participation in local revenue collection.
Human Resource Capacity Needs at the District Assemblies: A Study at Assin South District Assembly in Ghana
(Canadian Center of Science and Education, 2014-09) Odoom, Daniel; Kyeremeh, Christian; Opoku, Ernest
The study examined the human resource (HR) capacity needs at the Assin South District Assembly using the descriptive and non-interventional research design. Purposive and quota sampling techniques were used to select 53 respondents with interview schedule and interview guide as the research instruments. The study revealed that the existing institutional arrangements in Ghana’s decentralized government system did not allow the Assembly to properly address its HR capacity needs. Besides, poor staff attraction, low remuneration, poor accommodation facilities and inadequate training and development contributed to the Assembly’s HR capacity needs. The study recommended that the government should decentralize the HR arrangements at the DAs to grant autonomy to the Personnel Management Department at the Assembly to actively address its own HR capacity needs. The government must effectively collaborate with the Assembly to provide adequate logistics, attractive incentives and social amenities so as to attract well-qualified personnel for smooth decentralization.
Media Convergence Practices and Production in Ghana And Nigeria: Implications for Democracy and Research in Africa
(Journal of Applied Journalism & Media Studies, 2015-04) Fosu, Modestus; Ufuoma, Akpojivi
In this era of globalization, information accessibility is becoming crucial to empower citizens in their political, economic and sociocultural engagements. In emerging democracies, economic, cultural and political factors have hindered and still hinder the vast majority of the population from inclusion in the media and democratic discourse. Nevertheless, a ‘new’ phenomenon of media convergence is evolving in emerging democracies like Ghana and Nigeria that appears to provide platforms for wide citizen participation in the political and social discourse. From a phenomenological and exploratory perspective, this paper presents an overview of the media convergence practices in newsrooms in Ghana and Nigeria and their potential impact on the countries’ democracy. The article, on the one hand, juxtaposes this new trend against the need for the media to play a crucial role in sustaining and developing democracy in such countries, and on the other hand it opens discussions and research enquiry into the practices and genre underlying such media productions.
Staff Development Needs at the Colleges of Education in Ghana: Evidence from the Agogo College
(International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2016-01) Odoom, Daniel; Opoku, Ernest; Ntiakoh-Ayipah, Daniel
The new mandate given to the colleges of education in Ghana means that the institutions are now expected to pay much attention to issues of staff development as a strategy to achieve their set goals. Given the compelling relevance of academic staff in this shift, this paper investigated the issue of staff development in the Agogo College of Education, with a particular focus on its nature and the existing needs. The study was mainly descriptive. Using census, the 33 Tutors at the College were all involved in the study, with questionnaires and interview guide as the research instruments. Both qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques were employed for the study. The study found the existence of induction and orientation as part of College’s staff development program although it was difficult to authenticate its effectiveness. Although the existing staff development policy was beneficial to the staff, it was not comprehensive enough to address the varying needs of the academic staff. In spite of the difficulties associated with accessing some of them, there existed opportunities for short courses, workshops, sandwich, full-time and distance education programs for personnel at the College to develop their professional skills and status. The institution did not conduct proper needs assessment prior to staff development programs coupled with issues of fairness related to staff development opportunities at the College. Some of the staff development needs at the College were in the areas of teaching methodology, institutional skills, management skills and leadership skills. Others were needs in the contents of some courses, information communication technology, research and publication, and mentoring and supervision. It is recommended that staff development policy in the College should be comprehensive, well written and known to the staff in order to achieve its goals and to promote consistency, continuity and understanding within the institution. It is also recommended that the College should provide both financial and non-financial supports to the academic staff who are already in the system but with qualifications below master’s degrees to enable them upgrade their skills within the shortest possible time. The College should team up with the government and National Council of Tertiary Education (NCTE) to implement relevant policy and programs that must go with its tertiary institution status.
Teacher Motivation and Performance: The Case of Some Selected Early Childhood Care and Education Centres in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana
(International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2016-01) Odoom, Daniel; Opoku, Ernest; Ntiakoh-Ayipah, Daniel
This paper examined the level of motivation and performance among Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) teachers within the Cape Coast Metropolis. Using a descriptive research design, 60 respondents were selected for the study through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaires and interview guide were used in obtaining the relevant inputs for the study. It was established that most ECCE teachers in the Cape Coast Metropolis decided to work at the centers in order to secure job and to get opportunities for career development. There was a positive correlation between ECCE teachers’ motivational factors and their level of performance. While promotion was perceived as the number one motivator mostly available at the centers, remuneration and incentives was seen as the least available motivator. The study found that wage/salary provided to teachers at the ECCE centers had the greatest relative influence on ECCE teachers’ performance, with good leadership style as the least determinant of teachers’ job performance. It is recommended that the ECCE centers in collaboration with the District Assembly should provide attractive incentives in order to motivate teachers to give off their best performance. The paper also recommends that effective ECCE programs should be gleaned from well-coordinated efforts of different partners including school managers, parents, communities, local and national governments as well as the civil society.
Conceptualizing Decentralization: Reflecting on some Existing Literature
(Applied Research Journal, 2016-04) Odoom, Daniel
Decentralization has been advocated by development partners and agencies as well as civil societies in both developed and developing nations as an essential mechanism for broadening citizen participation and improving local governance. Its aim is the enhancement of the socio- economic conditions of the citizens to facilitate poverty reduction. Indeed, the resurgence of decentralization has become a momentous dimension of political, fiscal and administrative reforms in many developing countries in recent times due to globalization and progressive improvement in technology. This appears to justify the unmatched attention given to decentralization as a form of government by scholars and organizations. The apparently unending debate over the concept is a demonstration of the fact that caution ought to be taken in terms of the appreciation of decentralization so as to avoid confusion. This paper sought to contribute to the debates on decentralization through an analysis of some the existing literature in order to help situate the concept into its proper perspective.
A Linguistic Description of the Language of Ghanaian Newspapers: Implications for the Readability, Comprehensibility and Information Function of the Ghanaian Press
(Ghana Journal of Linguistics, 2016-12) Fosu, Modestus
This paper investigates the readability and comprehensibility of English language newspapers in Ghana. It attempts a structural description of the language of the newspapers to explore implications thereof regarding the information function of the Ghanaian press. The study employed a research design that triangulated methods and findings from corpus linguistics and readability studies using front-page stories of four influential national newspapers of the country. The research established that the language used to communicate socio-political news to readers is complex and could be potentially difficult for many readers. The significant implication is that the newspapers may be largely ineffective in transmitting information directly to a wide spectrum of readers for socio-political benefits. This could mean, importantly, that the press may not be performing its information function well. Consequently, the paper makes a case for the press to use relatively readable and comprehensible language to broaden direct access to newspaper messages in the country.
Reversal of Gender Disparity in Journalism Education- Study of Ghana Institute of Journalism
(Observatorio (OBS*) Journal, 2017) Boateng Anson, Jonas Kodwo
Journalism has practically become a feminine profession across the world. To understand the root of the flow of women into the Journalism profession it is pertinent to begin at the university education level. Gallagher’s 1992 worldwide survey of female students in 83 journalism institutions reveals a significant increase in number of female students. Djerf-Pierre (2007) and others argue along Bourdieu’s conception of education as a form of social capital which empowers, enable and enhances women’s competitiveness in a pre-dominantly androgynous social arena. Using 16 years of enrolment data retrieved from the Academic Affair Unit of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ), a leading Journalism, and Communication University in Africa, the empirical study examines the growing feminization of journalism. This study uses the UNESCO gender parity index model (GPI) to ascertain the gender parity ratio of male to female students enrolled at the University. Findings indicate a significant shift in the gender parity ratio in favor of women in the journalism education.
Exploring the Staff Development Challenges and Strategies at Agogo College of Education, Ghana
(International Journal Of Innovative Research & Development, 2017-02) Odoom, Daniel; Opoku, Ernest; Ntiakoh-Ayipah, Daniel
Ghana’s current educational reform mandates the country’s Colleges of Education to churn out teachers who have the requisite knowledge, skills, personality and other dispositions for the total development of pupils. However, in order to perform this duty effectively there is the need to put in place policy measures that support the implementation of this new paradigm. One such policy measure is in the area of staff development at the colleges. This paper therefore explored the challenges Agogo College of Education faces in respect of its staff development as well as the strategies that can be adopted to bring about improvement, with the use of exploratory and descriptive research design. Using the census data collection method, the 33 Tutors at the College were all involved in the study, with questionnaires and interview guide as the research instruments. The data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques. The study observed that academic staff members of the College were not involved in staff development decisions made in the institution. It was also found that favoritism influenced decisions on staff development at the College. The duration for staff development at the College was found to be too short. Other staff development challenges at the College included poor institutional sponsorship for staff development, financial constraints, inadequate support from government, as well as the non-existence of effective staff development policy. The strategies to deal with the existing staff development challenges include the establishment of autonomous unit in charge of staff development, and the College using part of its internally generated funds to sponsor its staff development, proper collaboration between the College and other institutions of higher learning. Others are attaching improved conditions of service to staff development, using well organized and regular on-the job training as an alternative to institutional education staff development, by involving personnel in staff development decisions, and by ensuring fairness in the award of scholarship for further studies. The study recommends that the College should put in place a comprehensive policy document on staff development program in order to ensure fairness, consistency and collaboration within the institution. The College should make staff development programs an integral component of its strategic agenda by first establishing an independent Staff Development Unit to fully take charge of staff development programs without fear or favor, and also devoid of favoritism and influence. It is also recommended that the government should pay equal attention to all the personnel at the Agogo College of Education when it comes to the award of scholarships for staff development.
Participation of Women in Local Level Elections in the Afigya-Kwabre District of Ghana: Can this be a Better Example?
(International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, 2017-02) Odoom, Daniel; Opoku, Ernest; Ntiakoh-Ayipah, Daniel
Generally, participation of women in local government elections has been lower than other elective positions. For instance, few women in Ghana and other neighboring countries such as Togo and Cote d’Ivoire have the courage to contest elections at the local level and subsequently emerging as winners for positions of the assembly. This is indeed a challenge to democratic governance in particular and nation-building, in general. This study therefore sought to explore the issue of women participation in local level elections in the Afigya Kwabre District using a descriptive exploratory design. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 67 respondents for the study. Questionnaires and interview guide were used to solicit the views of respondents on the issue. The study revealed that women’s participation in local in the district was low. It was observed that factors such as inadequate funds, inferiority complex, fear and intimidation and cultural beliefs impinged on women’s participation in local governance. Some societal perceptions that may affect women who partake in elections include the fact that they become disrespectful after winning elections; they refused to perform domestic duties; not natural leaders and become proud when they are in positions. Some of the benefits of women’s participation in DAE are promotion of the welfare of women and children, gender balance in the District Assembly, facilitation of community development as well as serving as training ground for women. A number of measures such as the use of incentives, proper affirmative action, improved gender education and gender equality could be used to promote women’s participation in local level elections in the district. It is recommended that the District Assembly should properly collaborate with the Ministry of Local Government and Development, the Ministry of Gender Protection and Social Welfare as well as the Development partners to design policy programs and initiatives that will be tailored towards improving poverty levels among women in the country through capacity building programs for women. The government should effectively collaborate with civil society organizations to put in place effective measures including financial incentives, public education, affirmative action and gender education programs in order to improve participation among women during local level elections in the district. The National Commission for Civic Education should be adequately resourced to discharge its mandate of educating people on their civic rights and responsibilities.
Linguistic Complexity and Second Language Advertising Audiences: Is There a Case for Linguistic Exclusion?
(Journal of Communication Inquiry, 2017-10) Yeboah-Banin, Abena A.; Fosu, Modestus; Tsegah, Marian
In many Anglophone developing countries, the language of most public service advertising is English, a language that is second rather than primary for audiences. Set in a dual-language context where English exists alongside several local languages, as means of interaction, this means that audiences must engage with messages in a language not necessarily preferred for conversation. In addition, messages are often carried on radio, a transient medium where meaning can be lost in the temporality of messages. This increases the task on audiences for processing messages, as the ability to understand most advertisements becomes contingent on their attainment of formal education. While this highlights the critical role of the English language in determining the effectiveness of public service advertisements among second language audiences, it remains understudied in media/communication scholarship. Using a textual analysis of two public service advertising campaigns in Ghana, the study unpacks the English used and examines the implications for audience comprehension.
Attitude towards Women in Managerial Positions: A study among Undergraduate Students of the University of Ghana
(International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS), 2017-10) Addai, Prince; Nti Ofori, Isaac; Bioh, Rona; Avor, John
Men cannot solely manage all the activities of our institutions; women also play tremendous role in management. However, some people have negative attitude towards women in management positions. The present study examined how gender differences influence attitude towards women in managerial positions. The study also examined whether attitude towards women in managerial positions is determined by the perceived integrity of the women. A total of two hundred (200) undergraduate students of the University of Ghana were selected using convenience sampling to complete the Perception of Integrity Scale and Leadership Scale Inventory. Data was analysed using the independent t-test and the Pearson r. Results revealed that females had significantly positive attitude towards women in management than males. Christians had significantly positive attitude towards women in management than Muslims. There was a significantly positive relationship between perception of integrity of women in management and attitude towards women in management. The implication of the study is that perceived attitude towards women is influenced by the integrity of the women.
Organizational Learning and Job Complexity as Predictors of Commitment among Employees at Nestle Ghana Limited
(International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences (IJELS), 2017-12) Addai, Prince; Nti Ofori, Isaac; Avor, John; Ntiamoah Tweneboah, Daniel
The study examined organizational learning and perceived job complexity as predictors of commitment among employees at Nestle Ghana Limited. One hundred and twenty (120) employees were selected using the convenience sampling to complete the Dimensions of Learning Organization Questionnaire, Job Diagnostic Survey and Organizational Commitment Questionnaire. The findings were determined with the independent t test, the Pearson r and regression analyses. Findings indicated that employees who perceived high job insecurity were less committed than those who perceived low job complexity. A significant positive relationship was found between organizational learning and employee commitment. Individual learning accounted for more variance in organizational commitment compared to group and organizational components of learning organization. These stand to reason that to improve employees' commitment, management needs to dedicate a lot of efforts in creating a conducive environment that encourages learning and also redesign complex jobs that meet the knowledge, skills and abilities of employees.
Exploring the Staff Development and Retention Challenges Faced by Tertiary Educational Institutions in Ghana: The Case of Takoradi Technical University
(European Journal of Business and Management, 2018) Amegatsey, Samuel K.; Odoom, Daniel; Arpoh-Baah, Bernard; Okyere, Isaac
Human resource is essential in the development of every nation. Nations including Ghana have and continue to make concerted efforts in terms of human capital formation required to drive their development agenda. To achieve effective human resource means that institutions such as the polytechnics and universities charged with the responsibility of churning out well-qualified personnel have the capacity to carry out their mandate. Efforts towards human resource capacity at the polytechnics and universities require that investments are made in staff development and retention at these institutions. Failing to develop and retain well-qualified personnel in these institutions will make the dream of sustainable human resource development a mirage. In essence, staff development within the tertiary institutions is vital in positioning them as centers of excellence within the discourse of strategic human capital formation measures. This paper therefore focuses on analyzing factors affecting staff development and retention within the tertiary educational institutions of Ghana using Takoradi Technical University as a case. The researchers adopted the convergent parallel mixed method research based on descriptive survey design. Stratified, simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 94 respondents made up of 92 teaching staff and two key officers of the University. Questionnaire and interview guide were the instruments used in gathering relevant data for the study. For the quantitative analysis, frequencies, percentages and an independent sample t-test were used whereas transcribed data were analyzed thematically in the case of the qualitative analysis. The study found that staff development challenges the University was faced with include inadequate funds, rigid institutional policies, high cost of replacing personnel, lack of transparency, and favoritism. Staff development challenges that male lecturers faced were not different from that of their female colleagues. A number of challenges such as poor conditions of service, low involvement of lecturers in decision making, delay in promotion, inadequate feedback, as well as poor recognition of and reward for hard work in the institution threatened staff retention. There was statistically significant difference in retention challenges based on the gender of lecturers. The Management of the University should team up with faculty to come out with measures to generate additional sources of revenue for the institution including writing innovative research proposals that can attract both local and international sponsorships.
Food Insecurity and Suicidal Tendencies: Comparative Study between Employed and Unemployed Graduates in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana
(Journal of Education, Society and Behavioural Science, 2018-02) Addai, Prince; Nti Ofori, Isaac; Wiafe-Akenten, Brenya; Ntiamoah Tweneboah, Daniel
The high rate of graduate unemployment in Ghana has become a thorny issue that calls for remedial measures because of the psychosocial consequences it comes with. This study compared the differences in food insecurity and suicidal tendencies between employed and unemployed graduates in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana. The impact of years of unemployment on suicidal tendencies and food insecurity was also examined. One hundred and sixty (160) graduates in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana were conveniently selected to complete the Multi-Attitude Suicide Tendency Scale and the Household Food Security Scale. The MANOVA and the Pearson r were used for data analysis. Results indicated higher levels of food insecurity and suicidal tendencies among unemployed graduates compared to employed graduates. There was a definite relationship between food insecurity and suicidal tendencies as well as years of unemployment and suicidal tendencies. There was, however, no significant relationship between years of unemployment and food insecurity. To this end, there is the need to seek an immediate solution to graduate unemployment since it is associated with high public health issues such as food insecurity and suicidal tendencies.
Too Much Academic Stress: Implications on Interpersonal Relationships and Psychological Well-being among Final Year University of Ghana Students
(Asian Journal of Education and Social Studies, 2018-08) Nti Ofori, Isaac; Addai, Prince; Avor, John; Gyanba Quaye, Mame
Academic stress is endemic in tertiary institutions. It has the propensity to affect well-being and interpersonal relationships of students. The study adopted the cross-sectional survey design to assess the influence of academic stress on interpersonal relationships and psychological well-being among final year students at the University of Ghana. Two hundred final year students participated in the study through the use of the convenient sampling technique. The Student Academic Stress Questionnaire, Ryff Psychological Well-Being Scale and the Interpersonal Solidarity Scale were used in data collection. The multivariate analysis of variance [MANOVA] was used in data analysis. The results indicated that students who perceived lower levels of academic stress had good interpersonal relationships and higher levels of psychological well-being than students who perceived higher levels of academic stress. There were no significant gender differences in levels of interpersonal relationships and psychological well-being. The findings imply that to improve the wellbeing and levels of interpersonal relationships among students, academic stress must be reduced to the barest minimum.

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