Public Policy Making in Ghana: The Role of Politics and the Media

Abstract

This study examines the influence of politics and the media on policy making from the perspective of political system theory and rational theory. The role of politics and media in policy making in Ghana can be defined in two stages. The study identified that, from the 1960s where the system of government was one-party, through the military regimes. Policy making was the right of the ruling elite and few bureaucrats. The media coverage was limited to the state media. In 1992, when Ghana adopted the multi-party democracy, public policy making process expanded to include civil societies, individuals, political parties and all interest group. Politics influence on policy becomes dominant during electioneering year where the two major political parties NDC and NPP trade policy ideas in exchange for votes. The media also has played a major role in policy making by providing platform and setting agenda for policy discussion. The media also serve as a source of policy information to the citizens. The study concluded by suggesting to constitutional bodies to develop, a comprehensive national development plane binding on all political parties, regulating media ownership and employment of experts and media professionals to work in the media sector.

Keywords: public policy, politics, media