Achieving Active Political Pluralism and Participation through Development Communication: The Role of Local and Community Radio Media Outlets in Northern Ghana

Abstract

ABSTRACT Development communication and community radio media outlets have been described as the most effective way of ensuring political inclusion and political engagement in emerging democracies such as Ghana. With development communication theory as the theoretical basis, this study is aimed at assessing how community radio media outlets, have enhanced and strengthened the political participation in Northern Ghana. The study used a qualitative thematic analysis method and employed in-depth- interviews with 20 media professionals in Northern Ghana. The study established that community-based radio within northern Ghana has played a significant role in enhancing political participation, through political talk shows and call-in programs.