Journalists, like Doctors, Nurses and Teachers Need to be Treated well by the Government

The only opportunity that gave me the supremacy to go on as a journalist was the distinct honor done to me by the Ghanaian times newspaper. One of the largest state owned newspapers in Ghana, having offered me a slot to do internship with a media house that has excellent learning opportunities.

After undergoing a vigorous three year journalistic training at Jayee University College, formerly known as Jayee Institute. I gleefully achieved my foremost newspaper bye-line in the most reputable newspaper in Ghana after a day’s practice in news coverage.

Working at Ghanaian Times served as a turning point in my life as an up coming journalist. The day-to-day goings at Ghanaian Times was pure fun, simple. But the hours can be tough and working weekends was the standard.

Ghanaian Times comes out everyday, after all. But I also had the option to interact with fascinating people, both at the paper and out reporting. I appreciate the fact that a journalist was one of the most powerful citizens in the society.

Journalism offered me a huge opportunity to meet interesting people, I visited interesting places and I got to know a lot of authoritative people in the society, such as politicians, business magnates, the academia and the ordinary man in the street.

Doing internship at the Ghanaian Times newspaper was a jolly joy and a mixture of passion. At first I became a little apprehensive, since I had never worked in any media house.

 I had no prior skills to guide me. But once I was highly motivated to take the challenge, I hit the tabloid with my very first news coverage at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

In my next assignment, I and a senior reporter at Ghanaian Times formed part of an extremely elevated entourage with the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing and other dignitaries. We toured Accra to inspect the status of government bungalows.

I could not imagine that I was in a ‘‘siren blaring’’ convoy that never knew traffic for the whole they in the traffic stricken Accra.

I never new journalism could be such a great fun, It was terrific amusing, everyday was different just as every story was unique. But most of all I had a chance to do something that was for the public good; inform, explain, reveal unknown but imperative information and entertain.

It was against this backdrop that a former United States President, Thomas Jefferson opined that if it was left to him to decide whether we should have government without the press or the press without government. He stressed that he would not hesitate for a moment to go for the later. But he underscored that it would be crucial that every man must receive the news and be able to read and understand them.       

 I met wonderful colleague journalists, we discussed interesting national concerns and I became familiar and known to journalists across the various media houses.   

The most significant thing in my life as a journalist was when I interviewed the Minister for Water Resources, Works and Housing. I was extremely excited since that was my first time interviewing a luminary. I became so fulfilled as a journalist because that interview with the Minister gave me the impetus to do my work as a journalist.

Working at Ghanaian Time had made me to believe that newspaper was the best alternative for internship, because newspaper journalists explain in detail and put into context the important issues of the day. Newspaper journalists report for a local audience that truly cares about those issues. And we do so with depth, repeatedly.

 With the audacity that I had acquired, I became goaded to do my individual stories without being assigned. Thanks to the experience that I had acquired, I can now brag, having interviewed over twenty public figures in a pace of few weeks.

What was important for me at Ghanaian Times was I learn constantly from the people around me, and from my own mistakes. I had my highs and lows, perhaps the great story I did yesterday got published today and it was elating, yet my editor desired to know what story I had for the next edition. And that’s part of what made it great.

Among the interviews I deemed important was one with the Public Affairs Director of the Electoral Commission of Ghana. The purpose of the interview was to clarify matters pertaining to a proposed E-voting.

The anticipated E-voting was presumed to be implemented in the 2012 general elections. I was so excited when it got published on the Ghanaian Times Newspaper, and also on myjoyonline.com news portal in the internet.

I always took notice that the press, in any country was the ‘‘fourth estate of the realm.’’ But I could not decipher it until one day; I went to cover a program.

When the main speaker of the program took his turn, after acknowledging the executives, the legislature and the judiciary, he turned to the audience in a parked auditorium and mentioned the press.

After the superior acknowledgement from a ‘VIP’ in the midst of a highly attended symposium, I now understood how the press became known as the fourth estate of the realm.

I had just memorized how ‘‘the fourth estate of the realm’’ was coined by an 18^th century Irish orator, Edmund Burke. The term was coined during a British parliamentary debate; Edmund Burke adequately recognized the press.

He turned to the press gallery and said, ‘‘there were three estates in the parliament, but seated in the press gallery over there is the fourth estate of the realm, the most important of them all,’’ Pointing to the press.   

Working for the Ghanaian Times as a news reporter in this few weeks, I have no doubt in my mind that the newspaper has the most excellent human resource and they are very dedicated to the service of the Ghanaian public.

 Everyone at Ghanaian Times is amazing, they have excellent interpersonal relations thus from driver to management level. To this end, I had no regrets for being associated with Ghanaian Times. I would love to work there yet again if given the opportunity.

However, it is distressing to note that such a wonderful outfit like Ghanaian Times cannot boast of necessary equipments such as computers and the prevailing technology ‘like local area networking’ and constant internet connectivity.

Possibly, it would sound wacky in the ears of public to note that people are often sent around to distribute information like pictures and stories. Even layout designers also go round to collect stories and other items to be able to plan their pages. Clearly, this is waste of time and energy since many more errands could be accomplished ‘online.’

Permit me an opportunity to exploit this occasion to plead with the government, on behalf of management of Ghanaian Times newspaper. Probably, to solicit government to provide not only equipments, as well incentives like vehicles, accommodation and other facilities to journalists in state owned media outlets.

The writer> Alhassan Naziru

Of cause, if government could provide these incentives for teachers, doctors and other public servants. It can do same for journalists who also work at the state owned media institutions. These journalists spend their lives informing, entertaining and educating the public. Knowledge, they say is power and journalists offer just that for free.

I could see a bright future at the Ghanaian Times newspaper, if government takes steps now to facelift the institution both structurally and logistically. It is only fair and prudent that government must be serious with such maintenance culture, since government is the beneficiary in this case.

I am highly indebted to anyone who helped, in one way or the other to facilitate my admission into the Ghanaian Times Newspaper. I can only hope and pray that such glorious opportunities be given to others who ar

Electricity Company of Ghana, not Committed to Reducing Commercial Losses

An electricity power bandit, who siphons power from Volta River Authority of Ghana and trade it to over 100 customers, is uncovered at Maamobi in Accra.

A vital investigation conducted by a Ghanaian Times reporter has exposed a dubious electricity provider popularly known as Sammy, at Maamobi. Sammy, the self style ‘‘independent power supplier’’ can now boast of over 100 customer base.

He charges Gh ¢ 5.00 per household, regardless to the number of house hold appliances per customer.

What is difficult to comprehend is that this unlawful act and impunity has gone on for years without being detected.

It is normal that Electricity Company of Ghana has personnels, who do monthly rounds to every household for meter reading and distribution of bills. What is not ordinary is that ECG does not seem to ask questions when they see houses with electricity without meters to be read.

Sammy does not only engage in electric power distribution. According to him, he also provide pipe borne water to people apparently from Ghana Water Company through the same illegality.

Speaking to the Times reporter, Sammy complained that he borrowed over Gh ¢ 4000 to undertake these two projects.

These revelations have fueled suspicions that personnels of Electricity Company of Ghana are not only aware of this criminality but also, they are part of it.

The findings of the investigation is also an indicative that the Electricity Company of Ghana and the Ghana Water Company are oblivion of the huge loses the they incur.

When VRA/ECG took their turn at the public accounts committee of parliament last week, it was revealed that the VRA was operating at a loss of 25% of their total energy production which translates into Gh ¢ 6 million.

The losses were classified as commercial and technical. According to the VRA, when they attempted to reduce only the technical loses in only two areas, one area in Kumasi and Madina in Accra, it cost them $ 30 million.

Mr. Cephas Gakpo, the acting Chief Executive officer of the Volta River Authority added that power theft contributed immensely to the operational losses that they were grappling with  

VRA was also on record to have reported that they were owed to Ministries Departments and Agencies to a tune of about $250 million. It is therefore unacceptable that all the losses, which are as a result of the inefficiencies of utility providers, are transferred to the poor and innocent consumers.

It would serve the utility providers some good to immediately set up a task force to go round investigate, and if possible to disconnect and charge people who are engaged in any illegalities.

 

Ghana Police in Dire Need of Logistics

The Ghana Police Service has lost it’s efficacy in its core duties of defending the Public, enforcing the law and affecting arrest of law breakers.

Two Police Personnel over the Week ends in Accra Kotobabi, has displayed their ineptitude following their in ability to effect arrest.

An aggrieved Tenant, Mrs. Aku 25 had reported violation of Tenancy Agreement by her Landlady madam Alice 55 to the Police, apparently to intervene and save her from being thrown out of the house. ‘’ The rent agreement is two years but I stayed in the room barely one and half years’’, the tenant explained.

A first, a lone Police man arrived together with the Complainant with an invite from the Police, inviting the Landlady to the Police Station for questioning. The Landlady declined the invite, saying that the Police are corrupt.

Whiles there, the Police obtained information that the facility the Landlady is renting out is not for her. The Police man, realizing that he could not effect the arrest alone went back to the Police station for reinforcement.  

The reinforcement arrived later in a charted Taxicab, but before the two police could land from the cab, the Landlady started yelling and hurling insults and invectives at the Police.

Nonetheless, the Police walked to her amid the rain of insults to show an arrest warrant to her. Immediately, the Landlady snatched the paper from the Police officer and threw it into a nearby gutter filled with water.

Clearly, ‘’this disrespect and grossly disobeying the orders of the Police is despicable and an acceptable’’, this is the opinion of the onlookers as they watched with disgust. 

world class police having tough time controlling crowd 

‘’Why would anybody respect a Police Personnel who arrive in a scene in a Taxicab, with a tattered, discolored uniform and wretched unpolished shoes’’ another witness explained.

These are the sentiments of Concerned Ghanaians who think that the Police Service must be given proper training in addition to massive facelift in terms of Logistics.     

REPORT FOR INTERNSHIP IN 2009/2010

Introduction

This report is all about an internship undertaken at the Ghanaian Times Newspaper. The internship offered me an opportunity to work in the Newsroom of Ghanaian times. It broadened my horizon as to the techniques of the journalism trade.

I believe that the report in here would be useful to the faculty of communications science of journalism department of Jayee University College. This report will equip the journalism department to ascertain the impact of internship on journalism students of Jayee.

This report is structured in such a way that will put in the picture, the experiences I as a student journalist acquired in the field during the internship including drawbacks, lessons, and challenges if there were any.

Background of the internship

The rationale of the internship was to equip me with the experience that I needed to be able to ply the trade of journalism. The internship is a useful project to undertake, because it took me through the etiquettes of the professional practice of journalism.

As a matter of fact the internship provided me with the chance to put into practice the theory that I have studied in school. It gave me the impetus to go on as a professional journalist.

The internship was also crucial because it served as a partial fulfillment of requirements for the award of advance diploma in journalism.

The media house that offered me the unique opportunity to undertake this noble internship was the Ghanaian Times Newspaper. They are one of the largest state owned newspapers, with branches through out the country. Ghanaian Time can pride themselves with a daily circulation of about fifty thousand copies.

The internship spanned for two months, I started from the 1^st December, 2009 till 30^th January 2010. The duration was enough for me to learn most of the disciplines of journalism as a news reporter, even though I recommend for the extension of the period from 2 to 3 months.

Mr. Harry Reynolds is the Group Editorial Manager of the Ghanaian Times Newspaper. And he was the one who supervised my work during the entire internship period. Mr. Harry was an intellectual and a great Teacher, I learned a lot from him.     

Methodology

The internship was undertaken in Accra, I worked in the newsroom as a Ghanaian Times news reporter. My basic responsibilities as a news reporter included attending forums, seminars, and meetings. I arranged face-to-face interviews with public officials and other important figures in the society.

As a person entering news gathering and news processing for the first time, I encountered few hic ups here and there on the very first day that I started. But I subsequently equipped myself with the dos and don’ts of the profession and also learned from the senior colleagues. It was also a bit easier for me because I was also sent on assignments to go and cover events, even though I did not rely on them.  

I preferred my own original stories to the assignments that I was being sent because the stories I got from the assignments lacked originality.

Technically, one had to use one’s expertise in this discipline so that one can get the effect that one wants. Definitely, if you go to an assignment you meet a lot of other journalists, therefore I did not consider that kind of work as serious journalism. As a journalist, I was always striving for exclusivity even if it took days to conclude. I always get excited any time I initiate my own story and it got hit the tabloid.

Averagely, the maximum duration in processing my own initiated stories is between three day and one week. I had uncounted stories that I had to cross check for more than three days just to avoid controversy. I was always careful not to cause any legal tussle between the media house and anybody. 

Actual work

The work that I did at the Ghanaian Times Newspaper involves news gathering and news processing. As an intern, I went to work as early as 7am. I assisted the senior journalists with their work in the newsroom. I also helped to put things in place by tidying up the newsroom for the day’s business to commence. In addition to this, I used to file the day’s newspaper in the Times news file.

By 9am I was out in the field for one assignment or the other. If there were no assignment I sought permission from my news editor to go and pursue my own stories, am happy that permission was all the time granted.

A typical day’s schedule for an average journalist, of which I am one, saw me moving from one potential news source to another. Indeed, I spent most part of my day in the field collecting news. I could only be seen back in the newsroom of Ghanaian Times by 5pm.

At that time most newsmen had returned from the field and news processing and analysis begun. I got my stories together and make them ready for publishing. Some times upon my arrival my news editor would ask me what I have got for the day. When I told her she would get interest in the story and ask me to expedite its processing and submit it for proofreading, editing and subsequent planning it into the dummy page layout.

Some times the page planners would call me to come and justify some portions of my stories. When I got there and make some few corrections and modifications, then I would be convinced that my story was going to be published on the following day’s edition. Typically, this has being the nature of work I did at Ghanaian Tines newspaper from the day I started the internship until my time run out.

The department where the internship was undertaken

At Ghanaian Times Newspaper, there are several departments including finance, editorials, production and advertising. I was happy to have been placed at the editorial department where news gathering, processing, analysis, proofreading and editing were done.

The newsroom, as part of the editorial department is one of the most interesting departments at Ghanaian Times Newspaper. This is the department where I saw all the seasoned journalists that I have heard of before I got to the New Times Corporation. In the morning, all of them were converged at the newsroom. Interesting topics and their day’s experiences were discussed. I learned and enjoyed every bit of their discussing before they left for their various assignments.

When I came back in the evening again, they were also there writing their stories putting pictures together and collaborating with sources of their news via telephone calls to confirm one or two things. As an intern, I benefited from all of this, I considered them as the techniques of the journalism trade and I humbly adopted them all.

How I did the work

Journalism work, for that matter news gathering and news reporting is a pretty tedious work. Looking at the principles and standards of journalism one cannot but agree with me that it is not easy in meet the values of the job.

Considering what is involved in news reporting, a journalist must go the extra length to satisfy the principles of accuracy, balance, clarity, objectivity, truth, comprehensiveness and independence. This is a tall order, but that is the mill through which news passes through before it is either ‘‘inked or aired’’. It is believed that all these elements and more must be present in a story to make it news worthy.

As a journalist I employed several methods in the gathering of news including interviews, attending government meetings, research, press conferences personal observations etc. any of these methods is used depending on the situation. Mostly I did follow up stories perhaps to remind the authorities on promises that they have made.

In doing follow up stories, I go back in time to pick a story of public importance and public interest. I sought people views to do evaluation as to whether the story was still relevant. The significance of doing follow up stories was to keep public officials in close monitoring by reminding them that they could not say just anything and think that the people will forget.

The methods and the equipments that I used

Traditionally, every journalist uses pens and jotters and notebooks in recording events. But the advent of technology has helped the situation today by making available cameras, digital recorders and other gadgets.

I used digital camera, digital recorder and ‘‘the almighty’’ notebooks and pens. Like I have said earlier on, any of this equipment can be used depending on the situation. For instance, if I were to interview any important personality, I used a digital recorder which is very portable and produces crystal clear sound.

Most often digital camera was used along side with notebook/jotter. In a situation where sound was not clear, and recorder could not be used, I resorted to the use a jotter. In some situations I was not allowed to use a recorder, then again I used a jotter just that I would not miss any details.

Observations/findings

When I was at Ghanaian Times Newspaper during the internship, I observed that as a journalist I needed to be patient and hard working. I recognized that a journalist had to be assertive and independent before he/she could achieve higher heights in the journalism trade.

I also reckoned that it was very easy for politicians and other identifiable groups and interest groups to corrupt journalist. The journalism trade is now full of gullible people with a shameful claim that it is a calling for them to become journalists. They are always ready to sell their reputations, if there are any for a pittance. This sorry state of journalism, I believe is creeping so fast in media fraternity.

In reference to the ills of journalism, I constantly strived so hard to avoid occasional traps that would have otherwise destroyed my aspirations as a journalist. But there was always the better side, and I enjoyed every bit of it. Clearly, journalism is full of fun because you got to meet with interesting people in the society including politicians and other important people like business executives.

Challenges

In every trade there are occupational challenges, journalism as a serious profession comes with a baggage that that every journalist must work to defeat. Indeed, I encountered several challenges that were so daunting nonetheless, they were not insurmountable. Sometimes I took certain decisions that latter seemed precarious and destructive, but thanks to patience and critical thinking. I was always able to resolve matters that averted horrible conditions.

Conclusion

I argue that journalism students must be given the chance to do their internship at a newspaper; they will have more resources and more people to learn from, However it would be better for them to start at a fairly smaller newspaper, unless they are highly talented and more sophisticated.

My experience on a much bigger newspaper (Ghanaian Times) was invaluable though. But I think a smaller paper is more appropriate as a beginner because you work on the desk, designed Pages, cover politics, do movie and concert reviews. 

It is easier that one could become more suitable to get greater responsibilities sooner at a smaller paper. If you are a young reporter going into a large newsroom you will be competing for assignments with veteran journalists. It will be tougher for you to get a big story or hit the front page constantly.

I still think that Ghanaian Times continues to be a place with excellent learning opportunities. Therefore I recommends to Jayee University College, if given the chance once more, they should send their students there for higher learning.

http://www.myjoyonline.com/

The duty of the media is to inform the people

http://www.myjoyonline.com/The News Media is the conduit through which information passes. It may be from the Public to the Government (authorities) or from the Government to the Public. For this reason, the significance of the News Media to the Public cannot be over emphasized.

Covering the political process is basically to report about the Government, the Policies it intends to implement and the issues that affect the Public. The Media has a social contract with the Public to inform them about what they need to know.

It is the duty of the Media to inform the people, in the process of informing the public, journalists should recognize the principles and rules underlying the Journalism Profession. Accuracy, objectivity, fairness and balance are the key words in journalism and they must be adhered to.

Even though the news makers are important, the substance of the news is paramount. Unearthing how much is in the National kitty, how Government intends to spend it, and reporting it is more important than any individual.

Journalists should be careful in how they report people’s private affairs. The Media can put the Government on its toes when they concentrate on the substance of the news.

Journalists stand the chance to play a big role in Policy Initiation when they stick to the Standards of their Profession.

The News Media should communicate the concerns of the Public to the Authorities. They should let the Government know what the people want, and where they want it. Once Government is fed with this information they would be guided, as to where to spend money.

However, if there are recalcitrant individuals, journalists can expose them. For instance, people who embezzle Government funds must be named and shamed or be prosecuted.

Honorable Dr. Hanna Louisa Bisiw, Deputy Minister for Water Resources. Works and Housing, was adjudged ‘The Minister of the Year’ 2009 by a Tema based radio station Adom FM at Tema in Accra on Tuesday.




Hon. Dr. Bisiw was declared by Adom FM as the Minister of the year as a result of scientific polls that were conducted by the FM station’s Morning Show through votes from text messages that were collated by the Charter House



The Honorable Minister was followed by the former Health Minister Dr. Sipa Yankey and the Minister of Agriculture, Mr. Kwasi Ahwoi respectively.



The polls were confirmed when the host of the morning show, Akuaba Gyasi was contacted. He said that the results were expected by the end of 2009, but due to some difficulties they were only received this year





The worst minister, according to the polls was Honorable Alhaji Mubarak Muntaka, the former Minister for Youth and Sports.



When Times spoke to the Hon. Bisw she could not help but expressed her utmost joy. ‘First of all I would want to say a big thank you to the almighty god because he is the one who elevates anybody and makes us who we are, without him we are nothing so god the glory.’ She said.



She thanked all loved ones and all Ghanaians including those in abroad who saw something in her and made this achievement possible. Dr. Bisiw also appreciated the unique opportunity given to her by the people of Ghana and the president to serve them.



The Honorable Minister was asked whether she expected anything like that ‘No no no, because I was not competing with anyone, the job that was given to me was what I did. And I did it with the best of my ability and tried to achieve excellence.’ She responded.



Dr. Bisiw expected that the government should be able to deliver better than they did last year. She believed, as a government, they had been able to do a lot of things and the economy was stabilized this year.



She was happy about what the various Ministries were doing, such as the Agric Ministry, and the works and housing ministries. She hoped that this year would be a year of implementation of the policies and programs that they worked on last year.



Dr. Bisiw enjoined all Ghanaians to rally behind the president regardless of their political affiliations because this was one Ghana. She urged Ghanaian to continue to support the government so that they could deliver the better Ghana agenda that they promised.

FACTS CHECKER

Did FIFA ask that the Minister for Youth and Sports Honorable Mubarak Muntaka is investigated and Ghana banned from all fifa activities? Plus is there any confusion and mistrust between the Minister for Youth and Sports and the Ghana Football Association.



The statement: It has been reported in some local sports newspapers that there is confusion and mistrust between the Minister for Youth and Sports and the Ghana Football Association. In addition to a letter sent to GFA by FIFA asking for an investigation into the activities of the Minister for Youth and Sports, Honorable Muntaka Mubarak.



The reports also suggested a possible ban on Ghana Football Association and Ghana, as a whole from all FIFA activities.



Get the facts

GFA President, Mr. Kwasi Nyantakye has dispelled rumors that there is bad blood between GFA and the Minister of Youth and Sports in a Press Conference at Alisha Hotel in Accra.



The GFA president has explained some misinformation that is in the media to journalists on April 17, 2009. He said that the GFA is committed to collaborating with the Minister of Youth & Sport to ensure that they achieve their targets, including the qualification to next year’s World Cup in South Africa.



He said there is misinformation and disinformation, targeted at Officials of the GFA, and intended to create wedges between GFA Officials and Government Officials, and we need to clear all those stuffs and then straiten the records.



The President said it is absolutely not true. He stated that FIFA has not asked for a report from any Minister, let alone a particular Minister.



FIFA has only requested for reports on the ‘’goings on or the happenings in Ghana’s football at least’’, which has been submitted to FIFA, and ‘’FIFA will evaluate that report and advice us on the next line of action to take’’.



The verdict

Mischief: the statement was a propaganda ploy meant to create confusion between the Ghana football association and the sports ministry, and government as whole. The FIFA never demand any investigation on the activities of the sports minister. It only requests for status reports from the Ghana football association.

How The Mass Media can Shape the Political opinions of the People of Ghana

In communication, media or (medium, singular) are the storage and transmission tools use to store and deliver information or data. It is some times called mass media or news media. It may also be referred to as ‘’singular’’ medium use to communicate any data.

Again, when media and communication is mentioned, it does not only mean one thing. Media comprise of electronic (radio, television, and the internet) and the press (newspapers, magazines, posters, books etc). All collectively refer to as media.

Information is a crucial thing in socio-economic, cultural and political development. The media is a vital instrument in disseminating information and other media activities such as entertainment, education, and informing the public. Another important function of the media is the power to change, filter and shape the political opinions and views of the people.

The political opinion of the people of Ghana started taking shape way back in the 1950s and 1960s, when Ghana gained independence. Before Ghana was granted independence from its British imperialists, the political opinion of the people of Ghana was somewhat different. The socio-political and cultural life of the colonialists was handed down to the people of Ghana.

In the absence of media, the only way to go about changing people’s political opinion was to resort to massive mobilization of the people such as political rallies, symposia, forums, and other public address systems. This strategy was used by Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his allies, and it became effective for changing the political opinion of the people at the time.

When the struggle for independence begun, simple massages were given out to the people to prepare their minds and enable them to see the need to take governance (self rule) from the British, and indeed it was made possible by the only newspaper that was established by Africans and managed by Africans (Accra herald).

Dr. K. Nkrumah argued that the people of Ghana needed a new identity. He also said that when the Ghanaian was given the chance, he could manage his own affairs. Therefore, he made it quite Clare that it was time out for the ‘’enemy’’ (imperialists). When these principles were echoed and re-echoed into the ears of the people, it changed their political lives. They began to realize that they had the ability to manage their own affairs.

The question of how political opinion of the people of Ghana can be shaped is very important. It has being accepted that ‘’the media do not represent the realities, but it shapes and filter the opinions of the people’’. There are several ways that the political opinions of the people of Ghana can be shaped.

One of the various ways that the political opinions of the people of Ghana can be changed is through the agenda setting theory. It simply states that, the mass media has the power to set the agenda for the people to discuss through emphasizing on certain issues and de-emphasizing certain issues.

The agenda setting theory comprises multiple functions that make it possible to either change filter or shape the political opinions of the people of Ghana. For instance, media concentration on few political issues and subjects that lead to the public to perceive these issues are more important than others.

In Ghana there are many ways in which the media could shape the political opinions of the people of Ghana.

 Gate keeping; control over the selection of topics (political) discuss in the media, thus what the public knows and cares about.
 Priming; effects of particular context on retrieval and interpretation of information. The media content will provide a lot of time and space to certain issues making these issues more accessible and vivid in the mines of the people. (Miller 2005).
 Framing; it is the process of selective control over media content or public communication. Framing defines how a certain part of media content is packaged so it will influence certain interpretation that is accomplished through the use of selection, emphasis and elaboration.

Uses of Agenda Setting Theory In Shaping The Political Opinion of The People of Ghana.

 Political advertising
 Political campaigns, discourse and debates
 Role of groups, audience control and public opinion

Strengths Of The Agenda Setting Theory

 It has the power to explain itself, because it has the power to explain why most people think that the same issues are important.
 It has the power to predict, if the same people are exposed to the same media, they will feel that the same issues are important.
 It can be proven false; if people are not exposed to the same media they will not feel that the same issues are important.
 Its assumptions are balanced on the scientific side.
 It has the power to organize; it helps to organize the existing knowledge of media effects (Everett Rogers 1963).

The Dominant Paradigm of Communication/Modernization Theory
The dominant paradigm theory states that there is a necessary fitness between a ‘’modern’’ culture and political development. It argues that the low political awareness coupled with the low participation of the masses around the world can be explained by the persistence and continues adherence to outmoded traditional values and attitudes.

The goals of the modernization theory (Daniel Lerner 1958) were to instill modern political values through the transfer of media and information technology in the people. In Ghana for instance, the modernization theory started taking shape in the 1990s. This became possible when some business magnates saw the need to invest heavily in the Ghanaian media.

The media in Ghana became very vital in the change over between the Ghanaian traditional leadership and modern political structures (democratic processes). This transition has relegated the traditional rule to the background. The transition paved way for democratic rule to take a centre stage in governance in Ghana. This agenda were cautiously perused through the creation of regional FM stations through out the nation.

Democracy had changed the lives of the people of Ghana, including the way we lived and managed our own affairs. A classical example is conflict resolution mechanisms (Betty Rabbar 2004). Socio-political realities of these conflict resolutions are deep rooted in the culture and history of Ghanaian people and are one way or the other unique to each community. (J.J Rawlings 2000) Ghanaians are admonished not to let Ghana sink into the level of other African countries where democracy has become a nightmare.

These realities are factored into the modern democratic process which create modern court systems (tribunal) for the resolution of these conflicts. Democracy has put in place measures to curb the culture of unequal access to natural justice, power, ethnic mistrust (ethnocentrism), inadequate structures, border tensions, and proliferation of illicit arms into the hands of tribal chiefs, warlords, and fellow tribesmen.

Reference:

Accra herald. First African newspaper in Ghana.

Betty Rabbar (2004). Conflict resolution mechanisms.

Dr. Kwame Nkrumah (1957). People of Ghana needed a new identity.

Daniel Lerner (1958). Goals of the modernization theory.

Everett Rogers (1963).understanding the adoption behaviors of the people.

J.J Rawlings (2000).democracy in Ghana should not to become a nightmare.

Miller (2005).effects of the agenda setting theory.

The duty of the media is to inform the people

The News Media is the conduit through which information passes. It may be from the Public to the Government (authorities) or from the Government to the Public. For this reason, the significance of the News Media to the Public cannot be over emphasized.

Covering the political process is basically to report about the Government, the Policies it intends to implement and the issues that affect the Public. The Media has a social contract with the Public to inform them about what they need to know.

It is the duty of the Media to inform the people, in the process of informing the public, journalists should recognize the principles and rules underlying the Journalism Profession. Accuracy, objectivity, fairness and balance are the key words in journalism and they must be adhered to.

Even though the news makers are important, the substance of the news is paramount. Unearthing how much is in the National kitty, how Government intends to spend it, and reporting it is more important than any individual.

Journalists should be careful in how they report people’s private affairs. The Media can put the Government on its toes when they concentrate on the substance of the news.

Journalists stand the chance to play a big role in Policy Initiation when they stick to the Standards of their Profession.

The News Media should communicate the concerns of the Public to the Authorities. They should let the Government know what the people want, and where they want it. Once Government is fed with this information they would be guided, as to where to spend money.

However, if there are recalcitrant individuals journalists can expose them. For instance, people who embezzle Government funds must be named and shamed or be prosecuted.

''Knowledge will forever govern ignorance, a people who mean to be their own governors, must arm themselves with the power knowledge gives." --James Madison (Fourth President of the United States)

privision of educatinal infrastructure is the way forward

Educational think-thanks has ended a pulsating debate on the duration of Senior High School at the on going national education forum, where the proponents of either of the views were advancing reasons to support their positions.

The views of the proponents of the four year system is that, the increasing of the duration to four years would reverse the high incident of students who are currently unable to qualify for Universities and other Tertiary Institutions.

On the other hand the proponents of the of the three year duration think that the dismal academic performance of the Senior High School does not lie in the extension of the duration, rather, they argued that problems such as inadequate infrastructure and teacher motivation need to be addressed at the basic level.

After evaluating the debate on both sides, we have come to realize that the educational difficulties that plague our Country, Ghana, are neither the idea of increasing the duration or maintaining it at the previous three year term.

We are of the opinion that Government and other stake holders in Education should think of facilitating quality Education by way of providing enough Infrastructures, Quality Teaching and learning materials and Teacher motivation.

This Triangular strategy, in our opinion, is the panacea to the Educational quagmire in all levels of Education in Ghana. We therefore propose that Government should replace ‘’under-tree’’ learning with proper class rooms and teacher motivation and subsequently make the syllabi available.

Manifesto of alhassan naziru
aspiring for local nugs/gups president
REVITALIZING STUDENTS 16th june, 2009
Thank you Mr. Chairman for the opportunity given to me to share with my colleagues what I wish to do for the Jayee community if I am voted for. The ability and destiny of each and every one of us lies in our hands, it is only for the purpose of orderliness that leadership is important. It is in this light that I present to you the principles, ideas and purposes of my quest to take a leadership position in this great institution. These principles and ideas, of cause are not out side the constitution of the student representative council.

In the event that I am given the nod, I shall maintain a consistent and permanent communication link between students of Jayee University College and the permanent secretariat of NUGS/GUPS. I am confident that Jayee University can compete with any other university in Ghana, therefore; I will always strive to include the name of Jayee University in any NUGS/GUPS activities.

I shall inform students on current progress and development in NUGS/GUPS. Students of jayee University College are entitled to any information concerning students of Ghana. I am assuring you that any information that is relevant and beneficial to jayee students will not be hidden from you.

I shall take the challenge to be the spokesperson on NUGS/GUPS national affairs on campus and shall preside over all NUGS/GUPS meetings locally. The biggest aim I would want to use this office to achieve is unity, If given the mandate, I would rather we talk to each other, and not talk about each other for our betterment and not for bitterness, so that we can keep the chase, to keep the pace and to avoid being chased out.

It shall be my responsibility to convene emergency general meetings with the consent of the executive council to convey any information requiring urgent treatment and attention in relation to NUGS/GUPS. I will use necessary information to inspire students of Jayee University to have the passion in participating in programs that concern students nationwide.

I shall always organize and prepare students of Jayee University College for all NUGS/GUPS activities. I shall work in conjunction with the SRC to make sure that the name of jayee and the students of jayee are respected everywhere in Ghana. My pre-occupation would be to make sure that jayee takes part in every necessary activity nationally

I shall consider it important to organize students of Jayee University College for off the campus programs. I shall mediate between students and the student loan administrators on the issue of loan and refunds. I shall make it part of my business to organize familiarization tours to most of the important places in Ghana, both within and outside Accra. It is important to note that student loan accessibility has always been difficult for students. I am assuring you that I will participate in any deliberation that has to do with student loan. Not only that, I will make sure all your difficulties are made known to the loan administrators.

In conclusion, people who want power think of the next election. A statesman thinks of the next generation. I am a statesman; I am appealing to you to vote for me so that together we can work towards our future. Vote for ALHASSAN NAZIRU, for modesty, firm and effective leadership.
Thank You…
Not to participate in activities of one’s community is to be either a ‘’beast or a God’’…Aristotle
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Proliferation of Small Arms in Ghana

Research Problem: (Proliferation of Small Arms in Ghana)

Existing research has shown that Ghana is in the middle of warring African countries where the arms are purported to have come from.

Objectives of This Research

In using quantitative method of research, we want to find out which particular area in Ghana these arms could be found.

We would find out, the extent to which people in that particular area are familiar with these arms.

We will look at how or where, if any, these arms are obtained.

Are the people in that area aware that development in any area is relative to the security situation in the area?

In the end, we would have accurately, objectively, and fully described the unique characteristic of this situation.

Research Questions

Targeted population: Adults between the ages of 18 and 50 years.

Sampling Frame: Eight Districts in the Upper West Region.

Have you seen a gun before?
If you have seen one, what type of gun was it?
Have you owned one before?
How did you get it if you have one?
Do you no any body having one
What type is it?
Do you think that some people smuggled them here
Do you know anybody dealing in guns?
Where do you think they smuggled it from

When you hear people talk about fighting in Ghana, which of these regions comes to your mind.
Why does it come to your mind?
What do you think is the cause of the fighting?

Tick from these regions those that you think are in the northern part of Ghana

Greater Accra Western Region
Northern Region Eastern Region
Upper West region Central Region
Upper West region Volta Region
Ashanti Region Brong Ahafo Region

Please, I am inviting suggestions to help me design this questionnaire.

Traffic in Accra

this is a typical trafic situation in Accra-Ghana, especially on weekdays, in the evennings between 3pm and 8pm. infact this phenomenon is adversly affecting productivity, both in public and the private sector. the situation is seriuose to the extent that comuters cannot help but leave their desks by 3pm and are expected home by 9pm,in some circumstances people may even arrive after 10pm. what is the government doing about that

information society

who says, the world is now in the information society status, well, it's a matter of opinion. i think the world has far moved past the information society. why, swine flu broke out in mexico, and in matter of minutes the information had swept pass almost all the coners of the world. not only that, it has also infected hundreds of people around the world. what do you think the status of the world is interms of how fast information spread.