"Social media is for the elite" : Local political communication in Ghana in times of COVID-19
Media records
Abstract
- Abstract
- en With the spread of smartphones in Africa, social media applications particularly WhatsApp, Facebook and Twitter offer due to their commentary function a platform for political debate but also for political communication. We ask whether and how local administrations use this communication channel. We draw on our study of social media platforms in three selected districts in Ghana and examine the contents of local political discussions on these platforms. Although the topics of debate often vary according to local contexts, the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic presents crosscutting concerns that affect both urban and rural districts. We analyse topical issues communicated on the platforms as well as how local people react to those topics. Insights from earlier fieldwork and recent interview data allow us to compare the congruence between the topics of social media debates with the everyday contents of local political debates. We conclude with observations and hints on the methodological challenges of online research.
Subjects
People & roles
- list of editors
- Ayeko-Kümmeth, Jane
- Place of publication
- Bayreuth
Origins & context
- Title
- "Social media is for the elite" : Local political communication in Ghana in times of COVID-19
- Publication type
- Working paper
- Language
- English
- Funded by
- Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- Publisher
- Institute of African Studies
- Date
- June 20, 2022
- Number in series
- 32
- pages
- IV, 34
- Number of pages
- 34
- Relation
- ‚Im Schatten der Autonomie‘: Dezentralisierung, kommunale Entscheider*innen und lokale Kontexte in Ghana und Ruanda
Identifiers & sources
Full text
- Full text
- 32 University of Bayreuth African Studies WORKING PAPERS “Social media is for the elite” Local political communication in Ghana in times of COVID-19 Matthew Sabbi, Dieter Neubert, and Alexander Stroh, 2022 32 University of Bayreuth African Studies WORKING PAPERS “Social media is for the elite” Local political communication in Ghana in times of COVID-19 Matthew Sabbi, Dieter Neubert, and Alexander Stroh, 2022 “Social media is for the elite” ii University of Bayreuth African Studies Working Papers (32) Institute of African Studies (IAS) The University of Bayreuth African Studies Working Papers are published by the Institute of African Studies (IAS) in Bayreuth, Germany. The IAS promotes African Studies at the University of Bayreuth by supporting scholars from a wide range of academic disciplines from almost all faculties. It facilitates cooperation between researchers and institutions engaged in Africa-related projects, as well as teaching, both on campus and around the world. The IAS consists of three central bodies: the Iwalewahaus, the Africa Multiple Cluster of Excellence, and the Africa Research Center (Forschungszentrum Afrika), which is currently under construction. The Working Papers give scholars the space to present empirical studies, theoretical reflections, and report preliminary findings, ongoing projects, and current research. The Working Papers usually reflect works-in-progress and invite discussion and feedback. Submitted papers are subject to internal review at the University of Bayreuth. Contributions may be submitted to the editor-in-chief: Dr. Jane Ayeko-Kümmeth (IAS@uni-bayreuth.de) The University of Bayreuth African Studies Working Papers feature on the EPub document server at the university library: 2005 - 2018 https://epub.uni-bayreuth.de/view/series/Bayreuth_African_Studies_Working_Papers.html 2018 - ongoing https://epub.uni- bayreuth.de/view/series/University_of_Bayreuth_African_Studies_Working_Papers.html Institute of African… Read the full text about 15,836 words
Records on similar topics
Records about similar topics, from anywhere in the collection and in any language. The percentage shows how closely each one matches this record.