Context

Ghanaian media do not exist in a vacuum but are dependent on the political, legal and social context of the country. Media diversity in Ghana evolved along historical and political changes during periods of colonialization, military dictatorship, civil governments and finally of democratization leading to today’s Fourth Republic.

It equally depends on the legal framework that guarantees freedom of speech and press, and encourages media – but seems to lack behind in preventing media concentration and inhibiting political influence hidden in ownership structures.

Looking at the economic situation, mostly state media gets cash injections trough state funding and advertising. When private media outlets don’t manage to keep up, they disappear quite rapidly. This also keeps journalist’s salaries low.

The characteristics of the Ghanaian society, from literacy rates to consumption habits, determine which media outlets or media types dominate and presumably thus have the strongest influence on public opinion.

History

Ghana has had a long tradition of state ownership - and control - of the media, dating back to pre-independence times. Radio and TV were controlled by the colonial and then the post-colonial State until 1996. But even then, it was tough for private media....

Society

Ghana's population spans a variety of ethnic, linguistic and religious groups. The media is challenged to reflect this diversity and to produce content that fits for all. At the same time, lack of professionalism threatens trust in media...

Economy

Economic sustainability is a pre-condition for independent, quality media coverage. In Ghana - despite a vibrant emergence of always new media outlets - the market faces financial challenges...

Law

Media regulation in Ghana dates as far back as 1966 under the military rule of the National Liberation Council and 1977 under the reign of the Supreme Military Council. The 1992 Constitution handed a thirst-quenching cocktail of media freedoms...