Department of Development Communication

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A Comparative Study of HIV/AIDS And Covid 19 Communication Strategies in Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Agyare, Diana
The COVID-19 pandemic just as HIV/AIDS has severely affected lives all over the world and has highlighted the need for a space in which discussions on how strategic communication can play a key role in the health discourse. As at Friday, 19th of June 2020, the world had recorded a total coronavirus cases of 8,608,533 with a total of 456,949 deaths, 4,559,057 recovered; 3,592,527 currently Infected and 3,537,863 { recording a total of 98% out of the currently infected patients in mild condition}( Worldmeters ,2020) Although the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January, and a pandemic on 11 March, 2020 (WHO, 2020) the first two cases in Ghana were confirmed on 12 March 2020 (MoH, 2020).
A Critical Assessment of Online Sports Betting/Gambling and its dire Consequences on the Ghanaian Youth
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Botwe, Mercy Anning Adjoa
The surge in the online sports betting industry requires laws, regulations, structures and standards to streamline their activities. In 2006, the Gaming Commission was step-up to make this a thriving industry. The Commission hinged on Gaming Act, 721 to oversee activities of games of chance. Today, sports betting is causing depression, poor general coping skills, anxiety criminal, decreased academic performance, increased disruption of familial relationships, delinquent and anti-social behaviour such as youth resorting to stealing and loan advancement. If not managed properly, online sports betting can lead to suicide ideation and actual suicide attempts. This study provides a critical assessment of the consequences of online sports betting/gambling on the Ghanaian youth. The study adopted a quantitative research approach for achieving the research objectives. Two theories were used to support the study. The collection of data was based on a self-administered questionnaire from the one hundred and forty-eight soccer gambling youth of Greater Accra Region who participated in the study (males 79, females 69) and the convenience sampling method was utilized in this study. The results from the study showed that there was a significant difference between males and females who experience adverse consequences after soccer gambling, however, there was no significant difference between the soccer gambling youth of Greater Accra Region who endorse cognitive distortions and those who did not. Also, there was also no significant difference between soccer gambling youths who experienced financial problems and youths who do not experience financial problems. Policies should be formulated to ensure that soccer gambling companies are mandated by law to establish and fund at least one gambling help centre in each region that will provide information to individuals and also to provide support to gamblers who are experiencing adverse consequences as the result of their gambling behaviour.
A Historical Overview of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority after Decoupling in 2007
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Kaamekpo, Michael Kwasi Exorman
This study examines and presents the historical overview and development of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority from 2007 when it decoupled its regulatory and air navigation services provision, from the airport operational functions, till current state. It also explored some significant and key milestones, administrative and operational structures, Director-Generals at various stages, challenges and the future of the Authority. The historical method was employed here because the interest is focused on reporting events and/or conditions that occurred since 2007, while attempting to establish facts in order to arrive at conclusions concerning past events or predict future events. This research was steered by three questions and two hypotheses that try to discover: Why civil aviation was decoupled, what significant milestones there are and what vision is being pursued. This study is to fill-in the gaps identified from the earlier work of Dr. E. R. K. Dwemoh, (after 2007) the first Director of Civil Aviation.
A Positive Role Model Framework in the Ghanaian Setting: Children Emulating their Parents in Career Choices
(UniMAc-GIJ, 2020-10) Akyea-Boakye, Ama Serwaa
Parents are usually the first role models of children, not just through direct interactions but through the examples (attitudes, values, educational levels, success stories and careers) they set both within and outside the family setting. Parents influence the lives of children in many different ways including their career choices. This study therefore will explore how positive parental role modeling influences children in emulating the career of their parents.Using a qualitative research approach, a sample size of 20 will be used with Stratified random sampling technique to select respondents. Data will be analyzed using themes in response to the research questions. The data processing procedures for this study will be done manually, by categorizing, coding and summarizing key themes within the data gathered. The study will reveal the relationship that exists between a positive parental role modeling and children emulating the careers of their parents. Finally, the study will also reveal why children emulate the careers of their parents.
Accounting for the Major Communication Frames Deployed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) & the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ahead of Elections 2016 & 2020 - The Elephant vs The Umbrella
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Nartey, Emmanuel Kabu
The Fourth Republic has seen Ghana become a duopolized democracy due to the alternation of political power between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Prior to elections, parties deploy heightened and superior strategies in disseminating policies, messages and debates arising. They deploy frames in these communications efforts in their quest of establishing an advantage over their opponents. This study advances knowledge on how similar or different, predictive and possibly new trends in the frames used by an incumbent party and an opposition party. It reveals among many that, whilst both the NPP and NDC deployed offensive strategic frames in the lead-up to the 2016 polls; the NDC tightened this offensive approach even more prior to the 2020 elections. The NDC was relatively used to deploying evidence-based communication strategies whereas the NPP deployed the Bawumia-frame in the years under review. Both parties however deployed corruption frames in the lead-up to both elections but later abandoned it as would have the dispersion principle explain. Continuity versus Change frames was equally a trend with respect to opposition or incumbency politics. Among others, the study advocated for more thematic and resonating framing strategies in Ghana’s body politic.
Alternative Methods of Assessing Graduate Students in Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ)
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-08) Amoa-Bosompem, Victoria
Graduate education is to prepare students for academic, government (public) or private sector careers in their chosen field or for further study. Assessment is therefore seen as an important tool for active learning in Class. It includes the exploration of practices around assessment and grading which are reasonable, fair, and focused on acquiring practical knowledge rather than competition among students. It further argued that the low assessment literacy of lecturers has been the result of the fact that most school curricula fail to explicitly list the basic competencies (national minimum standards) that guarantee academic success. In Ghana, assessment and its practices among teachers has been well researched and documented. Unfortunately, the application of alternative assessment techniques among Graduate students during facilitation has not been well researched. This study, therefore, investigates the alternative methods of assessing Graduate Students with a special focus on Ghana Institute of Journalism using a qualitative research method (in-depth interviews) to find out from some purposefully selected participants, comprising of Graduate Students, Lecturers and some administration staff on the implication the traditional way of assessment has on pedagogy and policies relative to assessment. The study came out with a conclusion that assessment in higher education is an important task that needs to be strategized and applied efficiently for effective learning. In order to have an effective assessment, the current assessment techniques need to be reviewed or amended so that practical aspects and real-life applications of course contents could be given more significance. For effective assessment, Universities must involve practical approaches/exposure or hands-on approaches in the curriculum, develop entrepreneurial abilities among students, discourage spoon-feeding practices to the students and not be restricted to only sit-down exams and focus more on experiential or field learning rather than on the theoretic knowledge.
An Assessment of the Media’s Role Towards the Creation of Public Awareness on Sickle Cell Disease in Ghana: A Case Study in Accra
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Quainoo, Anastasia Enyonam
Health communication has been argued out to be very instrumental in the education of people on issues related to their health. Most importantly, it is considered as very significant towards the dissemination of knowledge, affecting behavior, and changing attitudes towards a health issue. In this regard, the media has been seen as very pivotal in championing this cause. It is against this backdrop that this study seeks to evaluate the role of the media in the creation of awareness of Sickle Cell Disease in Ghana. Previous studies have highlighted that the involvement of the media in the creation of this awareness could go a long way to mitigate the incidence of SCDs, based on their social responsibility function. This study seeks to evaluate the public perception regarding the various ways the media have contributed to the creation of awareness, the medium that most useful in the process, as well as the challenges that have bedeviled the media’s ability to perform this utilitarian task. Most importantly, the study seeks to measure and assess the performance of the media by measuring the level of awareness of the public on issues regarding SCDs such as causes, effects, and how it can be prevented.
An Assessment of the Role of Media Campaigns on Road Safety and Accidents in Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Ahlijah, Christine Makafui
Mass Media play a very important role in both developed, developing and less developed countries. This report provided an assessment of the role of media campaigns on road safety and accidents in Ghana. Local and international literature was reviewed to ascertain how road safety campaigns by persuades and changes the target behaviours, examine specific channels used to inform/communicate the target audience, determine the effectiveness of road safety campaigns and examine the challenges associated with increasing awareness using road safety campaigns in Ghana. Three theories that focused on changing knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors were reviewed. These theories were Roger’s Protection Motivation Theory, the Extended Parallel Process Model, and General Deterrence Theory. The study revealed that to improve media campaign effectiveness, the following were critical; integrating advertising with other activities (e.g. enforcement), tailoring message content and means of communication to the characteristics of the target audience, and using multiple forms of media outlets including social media for the younger target audience and multiple forms of media to reach the target audience. In the end, the researcher recommended addressing problem behaviours of target audience, better understanding the behaviours of target audience, well-design media campaign, well-executed media campaigns and appropriate duration of media campaign.
An Audit of What Corporate Social Responsibility Means in Selected Ghana Club 100 Companies
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-09) Jarana, Simon Ali
There has been numerous contestations about what CSR really means for a very long time. Scholars have acknowledged the definition, practice and meaning of CSR keeps evolving with time. In Ghana, CSR is seen as building sustainable livelihoods and finding business opportunities. In the midst of a growing number of studies in CSR in Ghana, very little studies have dedicated time to CSR among the Ghana Club 100 companies. This study conducts a comparative analysis of the forms, motivations and theoretical applications of CSR among MTN, Newmont Ghana Gold and Guinness Ghana Breweries. The purpose was to investigate the CSR forms of these companies and to compare the findings to have a group understanding of CSR practice in Ghana. MTN, Newmont Ghana Gold and Guinness Ghana Breweries were purposely sampled. Data was gathered through document analysis using thematic coding sheets. The study revealed that companies place importance on ethical and environmental CSR, they are motivated mostly by the ownership values, organisational culture and global regulations, and applied the Carroll CSR pyramid model to their CSR activities. The study recommends for the companies to consider engaging the community members in which they operate to create economic avenues and engage in social uplifting programmes to help reduce poverty.
An Evaluation of the Communication Strategies in a Selected Health Facility
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Kumassah, Catherine Makafui
Communication is an essential part of every business or organisation and should be the hub of development in the business or organization. Health organisations have created a department to address the issues including to educate, inform and keep their patients. This study sought to evaluate the communication strategies used in a selected health institution. A sample of three permanent staff were used at the Public Relations Unit. The study employed the use of semi-structured interview guide. The findings revealed that traditional media such as television, radio and newsletters was mostly used to reach the target audience. However due to the advent of technology, the hospital had added social media to have a wider reach of their audiences. The hospital reaches its internal and external publics through its website, emails, staff info sheets, circular and memos, intercom patients and info centres, interpersonal communication of face-to-face interactions, vibrant social media platforms and telephones. In view of this, it is recommended that management should train staff thoroughly in social media and communication as new trends come in daily. Digital television screens for education and information purposes should also be provided in all Units to aid information flow. Additionally, the hospital needs to look at moving to Instagram which can take about 1000 persons thereby reaching its staff and patients promptly. Most importantly, an app can be made to track to the progress of patients and staff. They can be reached after they visit the hospital to express their views, concerns and recommendations.
An Examination Of Communication Strategies for COVID-19 in Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-09) Bamfo, Andrew Ofosu
This paper examined communication strategies used for creating awareness of COVID-19 in Ghana. COVID-19 presented itself as the greatest public health crisis of our time and the biggest threat we have faced since the Second World War due to its inception in December last year. However, the pandemic is much more than a health crisis, it is also an unparalleled socio-economic crisis. Little or no evidence is available on the perception and impact of communication strategies for COVID-19 on the behaviour of Ghanaians in response to the pandemic, in particular within the Ghanaian community. Can credible communication promote the desired behaviour change such as adherence to covid-19 preventive measures? This term paper highlighted the communication strategies used in addressing Covid-19 in Ghana. The Government’s response to the pandemic and the perceptions and behavioural responses of the general public to the pandemic. Theories under review include behaviour change communication (BCC), health belief model (HBM), and theory of planned behaviour (TPB). The theories and concepts are synergized and presented in a conceptual framework for the body of this term paper. Although the majority of Ghanaians were fully aware of the COVID 19 pandemic. It is safe to conclude that communication strategies used for COVID 19 have been somewhat effective. However, some people in Northern Ghana held the belief that COVID 19 was a punishment from God. This requires extensive and evidence-based education to build on the already existing awareness of the pandemic in most rural communities, especially in the light of the new findings from investigations being carried out by scientists around the world.Thesis
An Examination of Participation and Communication in Planting for Food and Jobs in Gbefi Community in the Kpando Municipality, Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Sanusi, Francis
This study examines participation and communication in Planting for Food and Jobs in the Gbefi community in the Kpando Municipality. The study sought to examine the level and extent to which communication and community participation were used in the implementation of the Planting for Food and Jobs programme in Gbefi. The specific objectives were: to identify the communication channel used by PFJ during projects implementation in the Gbefi; to describe the implementation process of the PFJ initiative and to investigate the level and extent of community participation. The research design used by the study was descriptive, hence it involved qualitative processes in collecting data. Data was collected using in-depth interview and focus group discussions. The data were collected from two categories of people: the project participants (farmers) and the Head of Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ) secretariat of the Kpando Municipal. There were three focus group discussions and an in-depth interview with an informant. The study revealed that there is a participatory structure, however, even though major stakeholders such as proven farmers, AEA and dealers in the farms' inputs were engaged at the preliminary stage, there is a gap between these groups and the farmers on the ground. On the communication channel, we gathered that the messages did not go down well with the farmers because of the media used. We found out that farmers receive messages better when they are relayed to them through interpersonal or group communication. This finding has impacted negatively on the implementation process and by extension the level and extent of participation in the PFJ programme at Gbefi. Arising from the difficulty of assessing the quality of participation, this study concludes that it is possible to have a frame of reference and guidelines for those involved in community development. Also, it is necessary to have multi-stakeholders engagement, which would include the farmers at the grassroots in the research process in order to link it more closely with the overall process of communication, participation and development.
An Exploratory Study of the State of Development Communication in Project Management: A Case Study of the European Union’s Securing Sustainable Fisheries Project in Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-09) Smith, Charles
A critical factor is every project design and implementation is communication (Culo & Skendrovic, 2010). Some projects have failed in times past due to miscommunication and communication gaps (James, 2015). In project management, every stakeholder wants to be communicated with in a different way from the beginning through to the project life cycle (Solera, 2009). To create understanding in the minds of people, communication is key. Communication involves an organized and uninterrupted procedure of telling, listening and understanding (Allen, 2009).
Analysis of the Dynamism of the Use of Mobile Phone Communication Platforms in Shaping Communication in the Military Using the Ghana Armed Forces in Burma Camp as a Case Study
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-09) Geni, Emelda Semenyo
Since the evolution of mobile phone communication platforms coupled with the development of the internet, communication continues to witness dynamic developments in every facet of human life. The advancement in new media and communication devices has proven very crucial in providing significant changes in human, institutions and organisation communications. Against the background of restriction in communication in the security services globally and the growing phenomenon of changes in mobile phone communication platforms, this study ascertains and analyses the dynamism of mobile phone communication platforms usage and the extent to which it has contributed in shaping official communication in the Ghana Armed Forces. This study deployed both primary and secondary sources as well as adopted the quantitative method with the use of survey questionnaire to collect data from personnel in SIC Departments (Administrative Wing, Air Operation Wing, Engineering Wing, Supply Management, Education Directorate and Logistics Department) of the Ghana Armed Forces. Findings of this study revealed although the effects of the dynamism of mobile phone communication platforms on communication in the GAF were both positive and negative that the dynamism in mobile phones has hugely affected official communication positively in the Ghana Armed Forces., this study concludes that the dynamism of mobile phones has significant positive effects on communication in the GAF, it recommends that the use of mobile phone communication platforms by the Ghana Armed Forces should be encouraged as it facilitates easy and fast sharing of information and storage of data.
Analysis of the Facebook Page of the Ghana Police Service
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2021-11) Effah, Jonathan Owusu
The emergence of internet and access to technological gadgets has become important part of daily activities of individuals. Most importantly social media use has transformed the way individuals communicate, sustain friendships, live and work. Social media has become the platform where organisations build and retain relationship with their publics. The increased use of social media by organisations all over the world has led researchers and practitioners to seek to understand how best to employ it into communication strategies for effective communication delivery. This study analysed how the Ghana Police Service utilized their facebook page in communicating with their publics. The study was underpinned by the dialogic public relations theory. The study used the mixed method approach and purposive sampling technique. The study employed cyber ethnography to obtain data from the facebook page of the Ghana Police Service from January to June, 2021. The study generally found that, although the Ghana Police Service actively engaged their publics on facebook, there were some discrepancies in their inability to reply all comments but focused on replying to only positive ones. The study identified that some of these engagements spans from alerting the public on scammers, fake facebook accounts and information about the Ghana Police Service. It was noted that there were posts made each day by the Ghana Police Service on the facebook page which showed a good indication that the Ghana Police Service posted frequently on their facebook page each day. It was also observed that page visitors took advantage of the openness of the police to bully them and used invectives words irrespective of the importance of the posts. The study concluded that, the facebook page strengthened the Ghana Police Service to constantly engage with its publics for effective policing. in Ghana. The study recommends that the Ghana Police Service and public relation practitioners should take advantage of the numerous opportunity social media specifically facebook presents.
Assesing the Internal Communication Tools in Petra Trust Company Limited
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2021-12) Dotse, Dolly Delali
Employees play a crucial role in helping organizations achieve their predetermined goals of growth and development. Employees thus need to be always communicated to, to carry them along with organizational goals, strategy, and vision. Pradhan and Chopra (2008) postulate that “organizations cannot exist without communication, as it is one of the significant aspects allowing organizations to be what it is.” This study focuses on the assessment of the internal communication tools at Petra Trust Limited. This research relies on the Kevin Stephen Ruck’s theory dubbed “informed employee voice.” The study employs quantitative approach in analysing primary data collected from employees of the organization with a sample size of 86 participants. Findings revealed that the organization has measures that allow for all employees to understand the internal communication processes thereby facilitating full ownership and participations. As part of the recommendations given, the researcher advocates for the promotion of awareness of an internal communication policy at Petra Trust.
Assessing Ghana AIDS Commission’s Communication Strategy in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS
(UniMAc-GIJ, 2018-06) Faska, Yvonne Effe
The aim of this study was to assess Ghana Aids Commission’s communication strategy in the fight against HIV/AIDS. The quantitative method approach was used as the methodology of this study and respondents were chosen based on the convenience sampling method. Analysis of the results was done using tables and figures with 100 people chosen as the sample size. The study sought to achieve three specific objectives namely the knowledge levels on the modes of transmission, prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS, the awareness level of people on the negative effects of HIV/AIDs on the growth and development of the country, and the medium through which information about HIV/AIDS was accessed. Findings of the study revealed that generally the average Ghanaian is aware of HIV/AIDS and possesses a good knowledge about its mode of transmission and prevention. One thing that was also clear was the fact that majority of the individuals living in Ghana depended mainly on the television and the internet for their information on HIV/AIDS. From the study, it was also revealed that almost all the entire population were aware of the negative effects HIV/AIDS had on the growth and development of the country. That notwithstanding, it was further revealed that some people still believed that herbal and spiritual interventions could cure HIV/AIDS whereas others did not even know about the existence of the anti-retroviral drugs that was used to suppress the effect of the virus. The study therefore suggested that more attention should be paid to the education of the entire populace on the available modes of treatment of HIV/AIDS.
Assessing Learners’ Perception on Ghana Learning Television (GLTV) as an Effective Tool for Learning During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Survey of Basic Level Education Students
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2021-12) Mobya, Hannah Tinyep
This research explored the perception of learners in the basic school level, specifically Junior High School 1-3 about the Ghana Learning television (GLTV) as an effective tool for learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The GLTV is a dedicated educational television initiated by the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Education in partnership with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation to ensure that learners did not miss out on instructional time when schools were shut nationwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Responses from 20 respondents were solicited to gather qualitative responses. An interview guide was developed by reviewing related literature and carefully examining what the study seeks to achieve. Data gathered were thematized to gain insights on the perception of students regarding the GLTV. Findings from the study indicated that the Ghana Learning television is an effective tool for learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some respondents still subscribe to the channel, although face-to-face classes have resumed. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the channel served as a source of instructional teaching and learning to supplement face-to-face classroom teaching. Considering the high usage of the channel, GLTV was seen as interactive, exciting and inclusive. Findings confirmed the assumption that learners had varied needs, and the design and pedagogies employed the GLTV catered for the needs of these learners including those with disabilities (hearing and visually impaired students). Although respondents watched other educational television such as the Class Act and Joy Learning, majority of the respondents preferred the GLTV. The results also broadly revealed that parents, guardians, and teachers played critical roles in encouraging and supporting learners to watch the channel when schools were shut due to the pandemic. Keywords: Distance Learning; Emergency Remote Teaching and Learning; Educational Television; E-Learning; Ghana Learning Television; Thematic Analysis Method.
Assessing Public Trust in the Media in Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Boadum, Irene Pomaah
Trust has become an important and defining variable in the media. This is because the media depends on audiences trust in them for survival. The public heavily depend on the media for information, education, and entertainment. But what keeps them coming back for more? Is it the media’s excellent programming or it is because the audience trust to deliver quality and unadulterated content? In this paper, we explore the controversial topic and try to examine what keeps the media-audience relationship running. Some say credibility is the same as trust, but other scholars disagree. We discover an interesting twist. The introduction of online mediated platforms has brought with it complex issues especially the rise and spread of fake news, a major challenge that is denting the image of the media and affecting their trust. In this growing resentment, the survival of the media will be determined by how much the public trust them to deliver their mandate. Journalist can build some level of credibility for themselves that may result in the overall trust of the media outlet and media in general. But that may not be enough. The Media must be able to redefine its mandates and who is really qualified to serve the public in the capacity of media work in the media economy although difficult. The paper discusses these issues and tries to push the limits of the discussion to assess the extent to which trust can be the defining factor in the success or failure of the media.
Assessing the Effect of Community Radio on Rural Development - A Study of Ajumako Bisease Community in Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-09) Agyemang, Afua Koramah
The study investigated the effect of community radio on rural development using Ajumako Bisease Community in Ajumako-Enyan-Essiam District as a case study. Thirty (30) respondents were selected using convenience and purposive sampling techniques. The study adopted a qualitative research approach in analysing the study findings where semi-structured interview were used to gather primary data. The first objective was to assess the participatory nature of Breezy FM in community development at Ajumako Bisease. The study postulated that majority of community members would be consulted for their views before the establishment of Breezy FM. Also, community members participate in the radio programme through phone-in segments and providing stakeholders meeting with the community for them to bring their views for the development of the community radio. The second objective sought to examine the challenges constraining the growth and sustainability of Breezy FM community radio broadcasting at Ajumako Bisease. The study postulated that the main challenges that would be facing the community radio was inadequate funding, high level of labour turnover, strict regulatory requirement and lack of deep participation from the community members. The last objective was to ascertain the effect of Breezy FM on rural development in Ajumako Bisease. The study ascertained that the community would be benefiting a modern community library, improvement of school enrolment, a community Senior High School, improvement in farming practices and a reduction in teenage pregnancy. Apart from this developmental projects the radio would have also helped the community on the importance of exercising their civic obligation such as paying taxes, levies, tolls, voting and taking part in communal labour. The study further recommends that government, NGOs and other stakeholders ought to collaborate with the Community Radio to bring more development into rural communities.

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