Theses / Dissertations

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Transnationalisation of Telenovelas: How Women in Accra Shape their Local Identities in Response to Aspects of the Latin American Version of Soap Operas
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-06) Ahiabor, Gabriel Kodjo
Soap operas have come to stay with the Ghanaian media, especially, television stations. It is for this reason that proper attention needs to be given as far as airing these programmes are concerned. This study was generally aimed at investigatinghow transnationalisation of telenovelas is eroding the fibres of the Ghanaian culture. Specifically, it sought to find out the extent of attention given to soap operas by the Ghanaian media, televisions in this regard, examined the impact of these operas on the Ghanaian culture and ascertained the transnationalisation dimension of the operas and globalisation and commercialisation on the item oftmth. The probability sampling method was used in obtaining the required data from the 250 respondents, with majority being females whose ages ranged between 18 and 60 years. The data were subsequently analysed using the numeric tables, graphs and charts. The findings from the study have revealed that the media was contributing largely to the general destmction of the Ghanaian cultme. It was also realised that the media was giving too much attention to the broadcasting of soap operas across the country, with less attention given to the local movies. In view of the fact that the media had recognised that women were large consumers of soap operas, they would continuously televise the programme to meet their demands. This, to all intents and purposes has gone a long way to increase the commercialisation aspect of telenovelas since such programmes attract a lot of advel1isements from large companies and institutions. Consequently, it was revealed that women were losing touch with their Ghanaian culture.
Internal Communication, A Tool for Organizational Performance: A Case of the Ghana Revenue Authority
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2015-09) Agbevade, Millicent Akoe
Communication is one of the most dominant and important activities in organizations. Fundamentally, relationships grow out of communication and the functioning and survival of organizations is based on effective relationships among individuals and groups. Based on the above, this study looks at the extent of internal communication in the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) and its effects on organizational performance. The research employed a hybrid approach with qualitative methodological approach where self-administered questionnaire was used to solicit detailed information from respondents. The findings reveal multiplicity of channels being used depending on the type of communication that takes place within the organization. Preference for traditional media outweighed new media due to the organization's structure and its nature of operations. However, with the advent of new media, a blend of both old and new media of communication is considered appropriate in achieving the goal of the organization as well as providing timely information and fostering a culture of two-way communication to enable employees at all levels openly share ideas, opinions and suggestions.
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.
Rebranding and its Effects on Profit: A Case Study of Airtel Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-09) Dwomoh-Agyemang, Kwame
Rebranding is often necessitated by the desire to create value for a brand that is becoming obsolete or due to a change in ownership of an organization as the new owner seeks to portray the organization differently. This study examined rebranding in Ghana with Airtel Ghana as a case study. In depth interviews were conducted with four informants of Airtel Ghana to understand the rationale behind their decision to rebrand Airtel. The study took a critical look at the process according to the following thematic areas: Rationale for rebranding, Process of Rebranding, Benefits and impact of Rebranding. The research showed that the primary reasons behind Airtel' s decision to rebrand were borne out of the need to synchronize the brand with moving times with the youthful population as a core focus. Also, the desire for a fresh start with a strong brand that is in sync with latest technology played a major role. The study found that branding has enormous influence on brand performance as it increases brand awareness, sales and the firms overall profitability. The research also revealed that there were internal and external processes concerning rebranding which is consistent with best practices which suit a rebranding profile. Some of the recommendations put forward by the study include the fact that research is key in every rebranding process. Also organizations should ensure that the migration from one brand to the other is not abrupt but rather a gradual change over as companies risk losing loyal customers with an abrupt change as it must be well planned and re-planned with the necessary strategies long before implementation or launch time to ensure a smooth process.
Adolescent-Parents Communication on Sexuality in the Context Of HIV/AIDS
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-09) Essah, Naa Korkoi
The dissertation examined adolescent - parents' communication in the context of HIV/AIDS. It sought to bring to light whether the upsurge of HIV I AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases has made parents responsible for educating their adolescent children on sexuality. The study was occasioned by the epidemiological data which indicated that about half of all global HIV infections occur in young people. This has awakened the fight against HIV/AIDS infections and sexually transmitted diseases in general. Recent studies have indicated that adolescent share information about sexuality more within peers than with parents. However little is known about whether parents are making the efforts of communicating with their adolescent children on sexuality. This study examined this issue. The study adopted a qualitative method with participants being selected thought the purposive criterion sampling. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with two (2) adolescents children aged 16-19; a boy and a girl respectively with two parents but were not the biological parents of the adolescents interviewed. The results indicated that parents are making the effort of introducing sexuality communication in the home although the adolescent feel they should be taught more or given more detailed information on sexuality. The main issues discussed were pubertal changes, HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. The fact on HIV transmission was discussed in elaborate detail in most families. In sexuality discussion however, parents referred to sexual activities by using vague words and impressions. Discussions were mostly initiated by parents rather the adolescent. This study is different from previous Ghanaian studies on the subject because it has brought to light that Ghanaian parents in Odumase -Krobo are making efforts or attempts in communicating on sexuality issues with their adolescent children. It also brought to light that parent have favourable attitudes towards talking about sexuality and all of them communicated to some extent with their children. It is suggested that parents should start sexuality discussions early to avoid embarrassment in the introduction of the topic when the children reach puberty or adolescents.
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.
Achieving Effective Risk Communication for Disaster Prevention in Ghana - A Study of Ghana National Fire Service
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2015-10) Anaglate, Prince Billy
This research aimed to determine the Disaster Risks Communication and Reduction activities, particularly early warning, education being implemented in Accra metropolis especially the market areas. The findings from this research delved into the various risks communication channel through which hazards are communicated. The research also focused on the various stakeholders responsible for communicating hazards. This thesis addresses this uncertainty via a qualitative research study that sheds light on the meaning of risk communication, despite such uncertainty, by revealing a discrete number of qualitatively different ways in which disaster managers and disaster educators experience and understand public education. Transcriptions of interviews of three such senior Accra disaster managers (GNFS, AMA, ECG) and sixty traders from the market were analyzed using qualitatively different ways of experiencing public education on risk communication. The results suggested multiple ways to improve public education within the fire disaster management community and more widely. The need for clarity in communication amongst educators and professionals in regard to public communication channels and education was confirmed by the research findings.
Usage of Social Media For News Gathering by Journalists at Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL)
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Frimpong, Enoch Darfah
The study's aim was to determine the usage of social media for news gathering by journalists at Graphic Communications Group Limited (GCGL). It was designed using the survey method to investigate the influence of social media in the newsroom as well as the organization's attitude towards social media use in line with global trends where social media over the last ten years has seen a significant influence on the way in which news is reported and digested by all parties within journalism, with traditional journalists taking on a developed role utilising social media as both a way to deliver and to promote their work. The findings revealed that majority journalists at Graphic (94.3%) and their organization were largely open to using social media as part of their news processes however half of them (57.9%) thinks that social media negatively affects journalistic standards noting that social media had to an extent impacted on the way they go about their work. The majority (82.6%) were also of the opinion that social media had affected gatekeeping.
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.
Improving Internal Communication at the Ghana Institute of Journalism
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Bannah, Daniel Ebo
Communication is seen as a functional prerequisite for the viable existence of any well meaning organization. Since creation, conununication has remained the bedrock of development in almost all spheres of life, however, the growing ambit of the subject has been very evident over the last half of the previous century and one category of communication that has widely gained scholarly attention internal communication within institutions and the corporate organisations. The study therefore seeks to examine the internal communication challenges of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GlJ), with regard to management and students relationship as far as information flow is concerned and an attempt to solve the problem. The research followed a qualitative method approach where data were collected through questionnaire and telephone interview among the varied respondents made up of students, lecturers, staff and parents of GIJ. The GIJ will remain the point of focus for data collection hoping the adoption of the recoInluendations will improve the situation. The study was more of a descriptive design with its analytical conclusions inductively drawn from the GIJ campus experience. In order to achieve the aim of the research, data were collected by primary and secondary methods using principal data collection mechanisms like questionnaire, one-on-one, telephone and focus group interviews. A sample size of fifty (n=50) served as a representative of the hetrogeneous target population of 1,000. The data collected were analysed and presented in the form of tables narrations. It was realized that the main factors that led to the problem of weak communication lines were lack of defined internal communication patterns, duplication of roles and responsibilities, and unclear managerial regulations.
The Integration of Old and New Media in Ghana: A Study of Public and Private Media Organisations
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Awity, Candida
This study examines the integration of the old and new media in Ghana \vith the aim to establish why the need for integration, their existing forms, and views of media organizations, impact and possible future scenarios of the integration. The following media houses: GTV, UNIIQ FM, JOY FM, TV3, DAILY GRAPHIC and DAILY GUIDE were selected because of their dominance of the Ghanaian media landscape. From these houses, twenty one (21) respondents were purposively sampled. They comprised of four (4) program managers, two (2) editors and fifteen (15) journalists. The rationale used in their selection was mainly due to their involvement in the use of new media in carrying out their work, the supervisory roles they played in terms of the work of journalists and the input they made in enhancing news stories or content. Interview guide was used for gathering data. The major findings are that, viewership and access to news is now mobile and forms the integration is taking are the use of Internet, Social media tools, SMS (Text Messaging) and Telephony in the media landscape. The integration is an enhancer rather than a threat to old media, helping broaden the frontiers of media houses with a future challenge of making available relevant stories that are not at the disposal of audience. This is so because the audience already has access to new media platforms.
Perception and Use of Radio in the Information Age - A Survey of Accra Academy and Accra Girls' High Schools in Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Addo, Joseph Tuffour
In the face of rapid increase in new media technology, previous scholarly research has attached much interest to the intersections and dynamics between traditional media and new forms of communication. Still, radio dominates as a major mass medium in Ghana and Africa. The study examined the radio listening habits of adolescents in an era of digital technology. It surveyed 300 high school students in Ghana specifically with regards to gratifications sought; gratifications obtained from listening to radio and the mode of accessing radio. The research further investigated whether or not radio in Ghana is serving the needs of adolescents as well as the extent to which other media outlets in the information age are having displacement effects on traditional radio, within the framework of the Uses and Gratifications and the Niche theories. It panned out from the investigation that majority of the students listen to radio in order to be entertained and informed on current happenings and healthy lifestyle. The traditional radio set turned out to be the single most preferred device for listening to radio as a result of its comparative advantage such as affordability and accessibility to non working students. The results of the investigation further indicated that, adolescent girls in Ghanaian High Schools prefer accessing radio with Inobile phones thari their male counterparts who relied more on advanced devices such as MP3. In order to get the most of entertaimnent, celebrity interviews, sports and current affairs respectively. It elnerged from the research that, although adolescents still listen to radio, a significant number of students no longer fancy radio in Ghana due to interjections of favourite music by D1s; presence of invectives and too many ads on alcohol and condoms.
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.
Newspaper Coverage of the 2012 General Elections: A Study of the Ghanaian Times and the Daily Graphic
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Agbenu, David Etsey
Press freedom is a core aspiration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and is widely seen as underpinning democratic freedoms such as the right to free speech and association. Media outlets are crucial to the exercise of freedom of expression because they provide the platform through which this right is effectively exercised. The public depend on the media to inform them of current events and this is more crucial the democratic process where it becomes outlets are channels through which citizens can communicate with each other and acting as a facilitator of informed debate between diverse social actors, encouraging the non-violent resolution of disputes. This study sought to find out whether the media, particularly the Ghanaian Times and the Daily Graphic newspapers provided adequate coverage during the 2012 general elections in Ghana. The study hinges on the Content Analysis theory as well Agenda Setting, Watchdog theories. The study was based on the assumption that media are more likely to give prominence to election stories concerning powerful politicians and government official instead of setting the agenda for public discourse. The findings derived from the study supported this assumption. A significant percentage of space that was devoted by the Ghanaian Times and the Daily Graphic newspapers contained stories about the political elite and government officials. This study, it is hoped will serve as guide to the media to be more responsive and provide adequate coverage for the satisfaction of all segments of the public.

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