Date of Conferral

2020

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Public Policy and Administration

Advisor

Dr. Eliesh Lane

Abstract

There is an informational gap in demand and supply of real-time policy information confronting Ghana’s Information Services Department. This problem of a gap in demand and supply impacts the productivity of individuals, groups, as well as public and private institutions. The aim of this qualitative case study was to explore how the government could integrate social media technologies in its policy communications to bridge the informational gap. The narrative policy framework provided the theoretical framework for the study. Research questions focused on how the government uses social media technologies in engaging citizens to generate input for policy decision making as well as how they complement the traditional forms of communication in meeting the information needs of citizens. A purposive sampling technique, semi-structured interviews involving 10 participants, reflective field notes, and media monitoring reports provide information regarding government use of social media technologies in policy communication. Data from the interviews were coded and categorized for thematic analysis and constant comparison. Results indicated that the lack of access to policy information informed the choice of channel for communication. Participants also expressed the importance of the role information officers play in policy communication as well as the need to be cognizant of barriers to using social media channels in communicating public policies. The findings from this study may provide data to policymakers on the benefits of integrating social media tools in their engagement with the citizenry, which will bring governance closer to the constituents and make the government more accountable and transparent.

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