Communication strategies for peacebuilding: a case of radio peace in the effutu municipality

Abstract

Despite the potential of Communication for Peacebuilding (CfP) for global peacebuilding efforts, the nature of communication strategies used by the media in peace communication and their effectiveness for peacebuilding in Ghana has not been adequately explored. This study fills this gap by examining the communication strategies employed by Radio Peace in peace communication and their effects on promoting peace in the Effutu Municipality. Adopting a qualitative approach and a case study design, the study collected data from the research participants in the Effutu Municipality using interview guide and focus group discussion (FGD) guide. The purposive sampling technique was used in selecting participants from the management of Radio Peace, community leaders and opinion leaders at Effutu Municipality. The convenient sampling technique was further used in selecting community members for both interviews and FGDs in the Effutu Municipality. The analysis revealed that through its radio programmes such as Hyewbo and Wo su ka bi, Radio Peace had become a communication tool in facilitating the peace process in the Effutu Municipality. The findings demonstrated that communication strategies such as focus-group discussions, public forums, community engagements with traditional leaders, durbars, phone-ins segments, and the creation of jingles by the radio station in peace communication have engendered meaningful dialogue and inclusivity. This bottom-up approach has engendered participatory discussions among the people to define problems affecting their peace and finding solutions to them. The study recommended that all stakeholders, particularly from the media