Multiplicity of voices in community development through radio in Fanteakwa District, Ghana

Abstract

The study examines community radio as a channel for development through people's participation in development activities in the Fanteakwa District of Ghana. The study argues that participation of people is necessary for development. The study employed the concept of participatory development communication and the empowerment theory to help understand the role of community radio in development. Mixed method research design was used for the study. Data was collected through survey questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Purposive sampling and multi-stage sampling techniques were used to select respondents. It was found that participation is highest amongst people whose preferred channel of contribution to development initiatives is Radio ListenershipClubs. Though community radio station is serving the community, more needs to be done to properly integrate it into the lives of the people. Another finding was that community radio is not necessarily owned by the community, but can be the result of an individual's entrepreneurial effort. It is concluded that the integration of participatory approaches in radio programming and ownership is relevant because they are more people-centred and can be sustainable. A legislation on community broadcasting is recommended in order to define the role of individual entrepreneurs and NGO's in establishing community radio stations.

Interactive radio, social network sites and development in Africa: a literature review study

“…The relevance of radio in Africa is supported by its integration with new technologies that support the listeners' participation and engagement. The integration of participatory approaches promotes the sustainability and people-centeredness of the radio programs (Asuman and Diedong, 2019). Interactive community radio programs can be applied to improve the quality of existing educational services, especially among marginalized and underserved populations with limited access to education (Abdulrahman, 2016;Muswede, 2016).…”

“…In conclusion, interactive radio campaigns that involve the integration of SNSs have the potential to increase awareness and the adoption suitable agricultural practices, improve health-related knowledge, enhance access to education among marginalized communities and promote the public's participation in governance (Asak and Salawu, 2019;Asuman and Diedong, 2019;Bosch, 2013;Fombad and Jiyane, 2019;Hutchinson et al, 2019;Mogambi and Ochola, 2015;Tietaah et al, 2019). Although it was identified that the implemented programs are sustainable, there is a need for improvement to ensure that the benefits are accrued (Badiru and Akpabio, 2018;Nyirenda et al, 2018).…”

“…Asiedu (2012) argued that the integration of radio with ICT would increase the access of individuals to new technologies, specifically among women who can promote social change and development. In Africa, interactive radio and SNSs have an impact on Africa's development (Asak and Salawu, 2019;Asuman and Diedong, 2019;Bosch, 2013;Fombad and Jiyane, 2019;Hutchinson et al, 2019;Mogambi and Ochola, 2015;Tietaah et al, 2019). In African countries such as Ghana, Tietaah et al (2019) posit that the longevity of radio as a medium of mass communication has been supported by its inclusiveness that supports the use of local languages and integration with new ICT to promote audience engagement.…”

“…The researchers found that SNSs increase the radios' interactive nature, which facilitates in increasing participation. Asuman and Diedong (2019) posit that interactive radio is a channel for development because it allows community members to participate in economic-related activities. In the Fanteakwa District of Ghana, there are radio stations that serve the community.…”

Decolonising Political Communication in Africa

“…Until the logic and underlining principle of ensuring that the planning, designing, and implementation of programs are closely associated with community development goals and interests not much can be achieved in the liberalised space in which community radio operate. Though in scholarly discourses there is a growing conviction that community-based communication may be the most important communication process in social development, in practice much more needs to be done to achieve such a goal (Melkote and Steeeves 2001;Asuman and Diedong 2019).…”