We had 2 semi-interesting lectures Tuesday morning about Ghana's economy and the media industry.
Some harsh statistics reinforce the types of poverty I've been seeing. With a 28 million population, 56.4% are economically active and 83% earn less than $250 per month. The minimum wage in Ghana is 3 cedis, which is less than 1 US dollar. In 2011, Ghana experienced a surge in growth, due to the discovery of oil. But as it usually works, that wealth is exploited far more than it trickles down.
Radio is Ghana's most popular form of news. The official language is English, but as I've said before, than are almost 50 local languages spoken in Ghana, so people may be able to communicate in English, but it doesn't necessarily mean they can read and write in English. Radio is accessible (there are over 300 stations) and it reaches every crevice of Ghana. Broadcasting happens in multiple languages, including French, so surrounding West African countries can comprehend Ghanaian news. Also, most of the newspapers are owned by politicians and can be very political/polarizing. Media has been a major source of blackmail.
We took a tour of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, which is home to some of the most popular radio and TV programs. The corporation's press agent met us outside and immediately said, "I assume everyone here is Christian. I want one of you to say a prayer before we begin." Everyone was stunned and silent. We had heard about influx of Christianity in daily life, but hadn't really experienced it yet. Luckily Prof Edozien saved us by diplomatically saying, we are all of different faiths. She then proceeded to say her own prayer.
Again, unexpectedly, our first stop once inside was to a soldier sitting behind a fort of sand bags with an AK across his lap. GBC has a history of being the first place co-opted during coups, because of it's ability to reach the entire country.
The tour got less bleak. We stopped at the Gramaphone library, which is the 2nd largest collection of music in Africa. They preserve Ghana's music and culture by digitizing records. They even have records from the '30s. We went into the radio rooms, where well-known radio and club DJ Chris Kelly was beginning his afternoon show. He even let some students get on air.
We went into the newsroom and talked with Ghanaian journalists of various beats, covering stories relating to health, business, sports, breaking news and entertainment. We saw where logos are made and videos are edited, as well as the TV broadcasting vans used for onsite reporting. It was a very long visit, but compelling, nonetheless.
Today, Frankie taught his first reporting course, where he went over basic reporting skills. I'm continuing to develop my thesis idea and research and I'm off to get an interview with Wanlov from the FOKN Bois before he heads to Europe for a summer tour.
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