The Media And Politics In Ghana’s Fourth (4th) Republic

ABSTRACT The notion that open and free communication is essential to the functioning of a democracy has existed for several centuries (Kumar, 1999 p 140). But for some time now, the media (particularly in Ghana) has come to face a number of challenges. Key among these challenges is the excessive politicization of media houses coupled with commercialization. This eventually raises the question as to whether the media is able to perform its expected responsibilities amidst these challenges. The study consequently attempts to answer the question “to what extent has the seemingly politicization of the mass media in Ghana affected the role it plays in helping to deepen democracy in the country?” Or “What has the Ghanaian mass media done within the Fourth Republic to ensure the country’s young and flourishing democracy is deepened, amidst the perceived politicization of the media? The primary objective of this study was to find out how the activities of media houses in Ghana have contributed to deepening her democracy amidst the perceived politicization of the media. To gain a clearer insight into the issues at hand, the study adopted a descriptive-exploratory approach; thus, it combines description of political phenomena with the desire to exploring to find the reasons behind some media organizations either active, partial and or non-involvement partisan politics in Ghana and its overall implication for democratic deepening or otherwise in the country. Among the key findings of the study is the fact that the Ghanaian media has not become an anti-democracy force that works against democracy. Instead, it, especially the radio, has become the main tool for reaching out to larger audience and based on this the people decide on who to vote for during elections and also take other politically related decisions. Moreover, the media amidst the excessive politicization does not pose any significant challenge to the citizens in the conduct of their duties and responsibilities