The Woes of Ghana’s 4th Estate

Abstract

Background: There is the growing perception that, the 4th Estate, or the Media, has been weakened in strength, integrity, and from dispassionate and non-partisan lenses in reporting the news, since the launch of the 4th Republican Constitution in Ghana. Objective: This paper investigates the developments surrounding the creeping effect of monetary inducement, lucrative public employment opportunities and increasing co-option of media personalities into political offices in Ghana. How does Ghana make its media more responsible and integrity driven? Aim: The goal is to identify the “pull and push” factors, and other attractions for this development, shine light on the threat such development poses to national cohesion, and to make recommendations for a more responsible media. Method and Methodology: The author conducted content analysis of literature and other publications such as news items, Podcast and social media posts through both random and opportunistic selection of legal and public documents addressing the themes of this paper. Published empirical literature on media accountability, reportage and influences in the media space as well as publications in journals and scholastic research papers culled from search engines such as ResearchGate, Sage, Taylor & Francis online journals, and political studies journals were accessed and reviewed. In addition, the Code of Ethics of the Ghana Journalist Association, the concept of “Manufacturing of Consent” of the public in the media space, the Theory of Reasoned Action, and Push and Pull Factors were the ethical and theoretical bases of the evaluation. Results & Discussions: The findings overwhelmingly support the initial observation that the 4th Estate is being emasculated through political appointments, job opportunities, hefty sitting allowances or “solidarity” payment for short meetings, and event coverages. The media appears to operate on the basis of partisan politics, with mutually beneficial agreements between political and media personalities to suppress dissent, accountability and transparency. The appointments of media practitioners and promotions into political offices, destroy the claim of journalistic “independence”, “truthfulness”, and “fairness” in reporting on critical developments. The practitioners appear to be in desperation competing for political favors and notice. These traits have cumulatively and negatively affected advertisement revenues. Conclusions: The Ghana Journalism Association needs to revamp its oversight responsibilities to restore community confidence, respect and social acceptance.