The Role of the Media in Promoting Civic Participation and Engagement in Democratic Governance and Policy Making

Abstract

Global efforts at ensuring effective civic engagement processes have been instrumental in mobilizing the citizenry towards deepening democratic governance. Notwithstanding Ghana’s efforts in embracing democratic forms of governance, much effort has not been made in building civic culture engagements and participation in democratic governance and policy making. This has led to the decline in civic attitudes in relation to issues pertaining to governance and policy making. The research study employed a qualitative methodological approach, utilizing a focused-group discussion technique to engaging key stakeholders within the media fraternity. Using a purposive sample of 24 respondents from 6 traditional radio and television stations, the study revealed a high level of knowledge of the various respondents with respect to program design, structure, target objectives and target audiences. The study also revealed that the drivers for selection of such programs mainly centered on the need to promote accountability, transparency, nation building, and ensure checks and balances among government officials. The findings reveal a moderate role of the various media platforms in relation to shaping policy and governance discourses in the country amidst various challenges. This study implication reveals the need for a much more assertive media in spearheading governance and policy discourses aimed at driving civic engagements in the country. It also calls for a collective effort by stakeholders in addressing key challenges inhibiting the media in the discharge of its mandate.