"Social media is for the elite" : Local political communication in Ghana in times of COVID-19

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Sabbi, Matthew ; Neubert, Dieter ; Stroh, Alexander:
"Social media is for the elite" : Local political communication in Ghana in times of COVID-19.
Hrsg.: Ayeko-Kümmeth, Jane
Bayreuth : Institute of African Studies , 2022 . - IV, 34 S. - (University of Bayreuth African Studies Working Papers ; 32 )

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Abstract

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.