Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to analyse the implications of cyberactivism on press
freedom in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. Using a qualitative research approach and
archival design, a purposive sampling technique was employed to sample four cyber
activists who have cyberactivism sites which focus on issues relating to Ghana. The
study found out that cyberactivism takes the nature of online petitions; social
networks; blogs; and micro-blogging. While cyberactivism promotes freedom of
expression, the study revealed, it also has negative consequences such as threats to
national security, intimidation and assassination of activists. The study further
revealed that, political mobilization is made easier through the use of hashtags. Based
on the findings, the study concludes that cyberactivism is a powerful tool that has
redefined press freedom in the Fourth Republic of Ghana. The study recommends
among others that there should be a balance of rights. Freedom of expression and
press are essential human rights ideals and guaranteed under the 1992 Constitution.
As such, the state has no business interfering in the actions of cyberactivists.
However, albeit a constitutional requirement, given that it has negative consequences,
the study proposes that this right ought to be used responsibly for purposes of
safeguarding national security.
Description:
A thesis in the Centre for Conflict, Human Rights and Peace Studies,
Faculty of Social Sciences Education, Submitted to the School of
Graduate Studies in Partial Fulfilment
of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of
Master of Philosophy
(Human Right, Conflict and Peace Studies)
in the University of Education, Winneba.
