Journal of Communications, Media & Society (JOCMAS)

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Reviewing the Electoral Processes in Ghana: Elections and the Voting Behaviour of Ghanaians in Perspective
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2009-02) Adu-Bempah Brobbey, Collins
This work focuses on the 'voting behaviour of Ghanaians and elections in Ghana. 'It is worthy of note that the world over, particularly in democratic nations, elections are held periodically to either change the incumbent government or retained it. Most of the time, when elections are seen to be unduly manipulated to the advantage of a particular party or candidate, then the people become disillusioned in the electoral process. This study explores the rationale behind the voting behaviour of Ghanaians. Specifically, the study seeks to unearth the ethics or principles i. e. (voting behaviour) in general, on one hand, and the Ghanaians conception of elections With special emphasis on the preadolescent. Consequently, the study looks at the correlation between a Ghanaian's voting behaviour and participatory democracy. Using the descriptive approach in general and the triangulation method involving quantitative and qualitative analysis. The study concludes that the voting behaviour of Ghanaians is informed by paternalism, partisanship or neo-patrimonialism. Finally, the work sets standard or criteria for the selection of both presidential and parliamentary candidates.
The Media and democracy in Ghana: The Challenges of Ensuring Good Governance
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2009-02) Gasu, John
The attitudes and cultures of the past continue to dominate Ghana media’s engagement with political leaders. This media landscape since the decolonizing period has been a binary one as expressed in for and against - incumbents. The authoritarian character of governance in the past gave a genesis to it. The protracted authoritarian and illiberal regimes before the inauguration of the 4th Republic closed various modes of expression resulting in the calcification of antagonistic relationships. The democratic transformation since 1992 has not really changed the mode of engagement. With some degree of democratic consolidation, focus has significantly shifted towards ensuring good governance, which encapsulates a government based on rule of law, political accountability and transparency. The media's role in ensuring that power-wielders operate within the standards required for 'good governance’ is critical. However, the effectiveness of the media is blunted by its deep-seated partisanship. The credibility crisis that afflicts it makes readership to perceive the media as a fronting meant for political vilification and capitalization. The paper examines the issues that generate the credibility problems and concludes that unless the media transcends the cultures of the past its relevancy in ensuring good governance cannot be assured.
The Relationship among Communication, Leadership Behaviour and Performance
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2009-02) Semarco, Stanley K. M.
The present study explored the relationship among communication, leadership behaviours and performance. It was hypothesised that leader's communication would predict the leader’s exhibition of leadership behaviours and performance. Participants (104 students) were asked to provide communication, leadership behaviour and performance ratings of lecturers within classroom instructional setting. Results indicated that communication was a better predictor of performance and choice of leadership behaviours. The current study provides support in demonstrating the validity and practicability of using communication dimensions as a predictive variable of leadership success. The findings were discussed.
Exploring New Approaches to Children’s Broadcast Programme Production: The Concept of Child Participation
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2009-02) Akrofi-Quarcoo, Sarah
The paper discusses the phenomenon of child participation in contemporary Ghanaian children's programmes. It is based on an exploratory study of selected programmes - Curious Minds, Choice Children's Channel and Smart Kids - aired on Radio Ghana, Choice FM and Ghana Television respectively. The study examined the production processes and content of the three programmes with a view to establishing the extent to which child participation ideals are incorporated in production. As background to this paper an overview of children's programmes in Ghana before and after broadcast de-regulation in the early 1990s is provided. The concept of child participation is defined. Subsequently, the paper discusses child participation in practice in the light of some critiques and concerns. It examines production approaches employed in the selected children's programmes as well as the content of the three programmes in the light of children's agenda setting roles. Challenges and factors that account for the adoption of particular approaches are further discussed. The paper argues that full child participation holds great promise for transforming content and programme production practices in contemporary children's programmes. However, programmes owned and controlled by children are more likely than those owned by the stations and individual producers to encourage the full child participation approach.
Pre-testing as an Integral Part of a Public Communications Campaign: A case study of the campaign against speeding in Ghana
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2009-02) Rockson, Kweku
The objective of this study was to show how critical pre-testing is, in any public communications campaign by looking at the campaign against speeding undertaken by the National Road Safety Commission. It entailed the use of the qualitative approach for conducting individual in-depth interviews among 130 respondents. The media used for the pretesting were TV, radio, posters and a brochure, covering the three main concepts: speed Limiter/Speed Sticker, Guardian Angel and Speeding Kills. As far as comprehension was concerned the Speed Limiter concept was clear mainly for the TV and poster. The Guardian Angel was however not very clear to respondents. In terms of appeal, the commercials were regarded as appropriate and respondents did not have any dislikes, neither were there any offensive aspects. They indicated that they would be motivated to change their behaviour by the commercials. The respondents also found the music and concepts appropriate and culturally suitable. A number of suggestions were made, like the need for the people in the Guardian Angel concept to wear seat belts, improve on the sound, make the posters more explanatory and show other causes of accidents. Utilising benefits from other pre-testing activities worldwide, a case is made for incorporating pretesting in all public communication campaigns.
English in Tertiary Institutions and the Issues of Falling Standards: Expectations, Lessons and Challenges
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2009-02) Fosu, Modestus
This paper dwells on the mounting problem of English language incompetence among a significant number of graduates in Ghana. This is an issue that has received and continues to attract wide discussion in academic and media circles. It is incontrovertible that many prominent people, most of them products of our institutions of higher learning, are unable to use English - spoken and written - in a contextually, socially and technically approved and desirable manner. This communication problem calls for concern because of the developmental role of information and communication in the economic, political, technological, and social challenges of today’s global existence. The way English language - both as a school subject or discipline and as a competency to be mastered— is taught and treated with indifference at the pre tertiary and tertiary levels accounts for this unfortunate state of affairs. This paper, therefore, argues that the nation, tertiary institutions, and lecturers perceive this problem as a “crisis ” and take definite steps that will strengthen the English language ability of graduates, irrespective of their specific courses of study.
Country Branding: Promoting Investment, Tourism and Export through Country Communication Management and Social Engineering
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2009-02) Akotia, Mathias
Country branding, which is about employing strategic marketing to promote a country's identity, has become a strategic tool of a country's competitiveness. However, only few developing countries have articulated and implemented a branding strategy. This paper examines the competitive advantage a country brand engenders for developing countries-in terms of exports, inward investment, tourism, and positive image. Furthermore, emphasising country branding as a communication management and social engineering, this paper argues that there is more than persuasive rationale for a country branding strategy to integrate and to direct the full range of political, economic, cultural and social programmes towards national development, wealth creation and social cohesion.
Akosua Cartoons in the Daily Guide: A Discourse Analysis
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Rockson, Kweku
This pioneering effort in using discourse analysis to describe editorial cartoons in a national daily explores the ontology of Akosua cartoons in the Daily Guide. Using the interpretive approach from the epistemic standpoint, the qualitative approach is utilied to identify sampling units through strategic sampling to respond to three propositions: 1. 'Akosua* cartoons will reflect the 'ideological standpoint of the publishers*.2. Akosua* cartoons will dwell more on 'political* issues than on other issues. 3. * Akosua* cartoons will be gender blind in the portrayal of issues. The study used two theories, construction of reality and ethnomethodology to provide a context for understanding * Akosua* cartoons. First, the particular ideological standpoint of the publisher is reflected in the content of cartoons. Second, when it comes to the type of issues covered, it was clear that there is an emphasis on political news. For this publisher the overarching ideological and strategic position is the three Ps: pro-democracy, professionalism and profits. The second issue of gender shows that there is no gender policy and the coverage of women is essentially neutral.
Television Programming for Development: A Study of the Impact of 'Sunrise', A Developmental Magazine Programme of Channels Television, on the Audience
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Popoola, Muyiwa
This research project was carried out to evaluate the level of impact or marked influence of ‘Sunrise’, a developmental magazine programme of Channels Television, Lagos, on viewers. It was also aimed at ascertaining if the content and quality of the programme favourably facilitated the exchange of information to effect positive change in the attitude of people, as one of the many activities directed at using communication to bring about a better quality and quantity of life for individuals. Use study used the survey research method of data gathering and the questionnaire as the data collection instrument, The findings of this study were of the affirmative position that the TV programme under study is indeed favourable to the facilitation of the exchange of information needed to effect positive change. It was also found to have impacted positively on individuals, but was not so positive, though the hypothesis tested, in positively changing attitudes of individuals which has been formed through various experiences. This study concluded on the note for further research into the possible variables or factors that may be responsible for bringing about development, apart from communication, and their respective levels of impact. The study also made recommendations to development agents — individuals, corporate establishments, and the government.
Between Facts and Fiction: The Relationship between Journalism and Literature
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Glover-Meni, Nathaniel
The study investigated the relationship between literature and journalism, with reference to Ghanaian and, for that matter, African literary ethos, aesthetes and cultural heritage. The study dilated on this relationship between literature and journalism on one hand, and politics on the other, and how the three entities could be utilised in overcoming, or at least, ameliorating the development challenges facing Africa This point is premised on the fact that an earlier use of the three entities helped the struggle against colonialism and later imperialism. Also, the study investigates how literary ournalism can be used to highlight currents of thought with reference to contemporary political, cultural and economic experience in Ghana Overall, the study supports the idea that literary journalism can be used as a veritable communication tool in overcoming some of the social, political and economic difficulties facing the African continent.
Developing Language Skills for Effective Global Partnerships
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Amankwah, Dinah Serwaa
The concept of celebrating differences reached humanity rather late in the stream of human endeavours; yet that notion also probably underscores current efforts to legitimise spaces to rectify past attempts at socio-cultural displacement. Recognising differences as shared phenomena rather than a weapon for patronage might have spared the ancient and modern worlds the unpleasant experience of colonisation. That recognition is yet to be jully grasped even by the contemporary world. Globalisation is a commendable human endeavour and worth attention. All countries are affected by this global phenomenon. Through globalisation, humanity is making strides to bridge hitherto seeming insurmountable gaps, thus ensuring a certain amount of acceptance of others. That language is a unifying factor in these human endeavours cannot be overemphasised. This paper discusses English language from three perspectives: The first section locates language in the centre of past socio-cultural discord among written and oral cultures. The second part discusses the major breakthroughs in human relations due to improved communication channels. The final part considers the crucial need for developing effective language and communications skills within the global relations and how the Ghanaian educational system could aid technical graduates to maximise their marketability through language.
Theoretical Transformations: Tradition, Postmodernism and Participation
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Dzisah, Wilberforce Sefakor
The emergence of new technologies has spawned new social movements across the globe, notably in established democracies and countries experimenting with the liberal idea. The fulcrum of this transformation is dictated by the new media's gradual possession of the centre in activating citizens' participation and ensuring publicness in our daily lives. The thrust of this transformation calls for a rethinking and shifts in theoretical arguments and postulation. As we move away from traditional approaches and understanding of political participation in the contemporary public spheres, we must begin to forge new ways of theorising on issues of participation and publicness. This shift could be anchored in what we might term civic participation -actions outside the political realm.
Impact of Information Centres on Scientific Research: A Case Study of the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2012-03) Nyantakyi-Baah, Lydia
Information centres are of prime concern as far as managing information is concerned. They have become significant in the provision of scientific and technical resources for scientists. Hence there is the need for information centres to process and repackage information in a suitable format that will satisfy and meet users’ information needs. This study looked at the impact of information centres on scientific research with reference to the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana. The impact of any information centre’s services on research or on a parent organization depends on the satisfaction users derive through the services. The study adopted the expectation disconfirmation theory, a customer satisfaction model, and used the survey method, employing the semi-structured questionnaire to collect data from 60 library users and 20 information centre staff. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to present the analysis. Findings from the study show that the Library is used frequently and patronage is very high. The information resources were found to be reliable, current and produced in a timely manner. Users derive a lot of benefits in using the Information Centre and this has increased research output. However, there are areas of dissatisfaction like the poor nature of Internet connectivity, inadequate information resources and limited funding.
Coverage of Presidential Candidates and Press Bias in Ghana
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2016) Afful, Ebo
The news media in democracies are seen as suppliers of political stories to citizens. And one of the methods by which this activity is performed is by the news gathering and dissemination role of the media. In a situation where selection and presentation of news is based on biased instead of the interest of citizens, the ethics of the profession is questioned. In effect, it is anti-democracy and development. Above all, with regard to Ghana, it amounts to a total disregard of the code of the Ghana Journalists Association. This study examines the extent to which the press was biased in its framing of the previous presidential elections. Using content analysis, the study, which is grounded in the theory of gatekeeping, found out that in 2008 and 2012 election campaigns in Ghana, the press was biased in favour of the NPP’s presidential candidate. This result also goes to dispute the trend of incumbency bonus or advantage in Ghanaian political communication.
African Conflicts: Memory, Trauma and Narrative (Dis)Play in Selected Memoirs
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2016) Traoré, Moussa; Segtub, Martin
This study participates in the scholarly conversation on the issue of memory and trauma within the research space of the rhetoric of conflicts in Africa. Three memoirs— Ahmad Tejan Kabbah’s Coming Back from the Brink in Sierra Leone (2010); Ismael Beah’s A Long Way Gone: The True Story of a Child Soldier (1998); and Véronique Tadjo’s The shadow of Imana: Travels in the Heart of Rwanda (2002)— serve as primary data for the paper. The theoretical framework guiding the work is Teun van Dijk’s approach to Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), supported by Jonathan Charteris-Black’s theory of “Metaphor and political communication”. The study also employed an interpretive methodological approach that embedded the Aristotelian concepts of pathos, ethos and logos to understand the rhetorical tactics used in the memoirs to communicate various ideologies, representations and meanings of conflicts in Africa. The analysis shows that many of the problems that ignite conflicts in Africa are partly from the continent’s colonial antecedents, and partly from the African leaders themselves, who employ sophisticated narrative manoeuvres for their selfish interest or for the soul of the African rich minerals.
Innovation in Media/Journalism Education and Research in Ghana
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2016) Gyambrah, Martin; Hanson, Priscilla
Rapid changes in the world today places a demand on journalism practice to take a new outlook that is underpinned by an innovative approach in its education and research. This study examined innovation in journalism education and research in Ghana. Qualitative approach to data collection and research was employed. Sample was selected using purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Sample consisted of journalism scholars and practitioners in tertiary educational institutions in Greater Accra region, Ghana. Data collected from the interview was analysed using thematic analysis. Key findings point to a disagreement in views regarding the gap between what is taught in the classroom and what is practised on the field. Journalism instructors were of the view that no such gap exists whereas the practitioners were of the opinion that a gap does exist. It is recommended that curriculum enrichment, teaching online journalism, organizing workshops and seminars for students, involving practitioners in curriculum development be promoted.
The Print Media Coverage of Ghana’s Legislature
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2016) Dzisah, Wilberforce Sefakor
The paper researched print media coverage of Ghana’s Parliament using the content analytic category to determine whether the media serve as the tribunes of the larger society. Two Ghanaian newspapers, the state-owned Daily Graphic and the privately-owned Daily Guide were used for the study. A total of Seventy-Two (72) editions of both newspapers were selected, and the coding process produced Ninety (90) news items for analyses. While it has been established that the media as the ‘Fourth Power’ within the State are essential in performing its informational function, it also emerged that in their coverage of Parliament, the media, represented in this study by the two most circulated newspapers in Ghana were not too effective in their educational function. The media have fallen short of providing the required political and operational debates to engage the citizenry. In this paper, while the findings are significant in alerting the media to the malaise, it also emphasises the need to urge them to review their strategies in order to activate citizens to become aware of the wider and more inclusive debates. This can help engender critical public opinion formation and also promote active citizens to appreciate social, economic and political importance of Parliament and its role in the development of Ghana.
Media Representation and the Ghanaian Youth
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2017-05) Dzisah, Wilberforce Sefakor
Media portrayal of the youth in most societies, particularly Ghana, over the years has been one of controversy. The perception of the youth as being dangerous, reckless and posing a threat to the future of the nation has been the main driver for this study. Using a well-thought-out objective and research questions, this paper has strived to tease out some useful understandings concerning notions of crime, violence, education and politics relative to the youth in Ghana as represented in the Ghanaian media/press. In these contested constructions, a well-thought-out research methodology involving both quantitative and qualitative methods were used to address the issues framing the study. While the quantitative aspect used content analysis to help unpack statistical variables, the qualitative dimension involving textual analysis delved into aspects of literary deployments that provide ample testimony of the representations of the youth. The analysis indicated that images of youth involved in criminal activities were dominant in the media/press. Most of the images presented about young people are not just quantitatively dominated by a one-sided negative image of youth, but also to some degree, qualitatively exaggerated and misleading.
The Influence of Gender and Intellectual Ability on Students Time Utilisation and Academic Achievement
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2017-05) Yidana, Peter
The study investigated the time students in public senior high schools in the Northern Region of Ghana spend on academic related activities and their academic achievements by gender and intellectual ability. Five hundred (500) students from seven public senior high schools in the Northern Region of Ghana participated in the study. A combination of probability and non-probability sampling techniques were employed using a cross-sectional survey to get a sample of respondents from whom data was collected through questionnaire. The data was analyzed using One-way ANOVA and multiple regressions with factors that might influence the outcome of the study controlled. The results revealed that low and high intellectual ability students differ significantly with respect to the time they spend on self-study and class attendance. The study finds conclusive evidence that intellectual ability and gender have a significant impact on time utilization rates among students of senior high schools. The results also show significant intra and inter gender differences between males and females with respect to the time they spend on self-study and group study activities. The study recommends that educational authorities should take the time use disparities into consideration when designing curriculum activities so as to take care of these different student groupings.
The 'Brown Envelop' and Media Practice in Ghana: a Socio-Cultural Perspective
(Journal of Communications, Media & Society, 2017-05) Amankwah, Adwoa S.; Ako-Gyima, Emmanuel
The brown envelop phenomenon (soli) continues to plague media practice in Africa in general and Ghana in particular despite high standards guiding journalism practice. Income levels and education are noted to have contributed to this trend. This study sought to unravel the factors accounting for the phenomenon and to determine their influence on media practice in Ghana. Questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were administered to forty-eight media people. Irrespective of educational background and professional membership, over 80 percent of journalists still took 'soli' and did not necessarily associate it with bribery. The study also found that income influences the acceptance of soli but that paradoxically respondents, except editors, indicate soli does not influence journalistic output. The study discovered that soli has become inextricably intertwined with the culture of media practice in Ghana. While the findings are limited to the views of these journalists, the study has implications for the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) and the National Media Commission (NMC). It recommends that they take a look at the practical internalization of their code of ethics and guidelines so it becomes an acceptable norm of practice for the media.

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