Newspapers in Ghana
In Ghana there are two major daily newspapers: state-owned Daily Graphic and The Ghanaian Times, with editions of about 100,000 and about 40,000 copies respectively. Newspaper distribution is above the average for Africa, and there are about ten major weekly newspapers.
Ghana Broadcasting Corporation (GBC), founded in 1935, broadcasts radio in two national channels and television in one (since 1965). In 1995, private radio and TV channels were allowed to operate. There are 710 radio and 118 TV receivers per 1,000 residents (2000).
Culture
According to ALLUNITCONVERTERS, Ghanaian culture – literature, drama and film as well as art and sculpture – has attracted international attention. Traditional dances have been modernized by contemporary choreographers.
Writers in Ghana usually write in English. One of the most recognized writers is Ayi Kwei Armah. In his debut novel “They are not yet born” from 1968 he depicts political and social corruption in independent Ghana.
The granddaughter of Ama Ata Aidoo, who has also been Minister of Education, is one of the established writers of African literature and writes poetry, short stories and novels. She was the editor of the short story collection “Love x 21” (African Love Stories), which came out in Swedish 2010.
Among the more attentive children’s book writers is Meshak Asare. Several of his books have been translated into Swedish, including “Tawai’s canoe” and “The secret of the Bronze Age”.
In traditional rural communities, the culture is characterized by the ancient indigenous religions and the chief system (see Social conditions). In the cities, the residents are usually more Western-influenced and the clan community has partially relaxed. However, interest in traditional culture and craftsmanship is considered to be increasing among the residents of the city. The Ashanti people’s traditional kente fabric in silk, handwoven in intricate designs, is considered by many to be a national symbol.
2017
September
Ghana wins sea rights dispute with Ivory Coast
September 23
The International Maritime Law Court ruled in favor of Ghana in a dispute with the Ivory Coast over where the boundaries of the countries’ economic zones should go (a coastal state’s economic zone is the off-coastal area where the country in question has the right to extract natural resources). Ghana, which is already drilling for oil in the disputed oil and gas-rich sea area between the countries, is now entitled to continue. After the verdict, both countries announce their intention to respect the ruling.
April
Gangs of party clutches commit violent crimes
April 12
The ruling NPP receives criticism for not intervening forcefully enough against violent youth leagues that are close to the party. Among the critics are the UN, which condemns the violence that followed in the wake of the peaceful presidential election. Particularly noteworthy has been the Delta Boys gang, based in the central Ashanti region. In March, more than 200 league members attacked a government office in an attempt to force a senior official away. In April, Delta Boys stormed a court in Kumasi to release 13 league members who were facing criminal charges. Delta Boys have connections to NPP, but most parties stick with similar youth groups, a total of about 20 nationwide, most often recruited in poor neighborhoods.
March
Criticism against record-breaking government
March 17
President Akufo-Addo is criticized for swelling his government to 110 ministers, deputy ministers and ministers with regional responsibilities. He defends himself by saying that the record-breaking government is a “necessary investment” in order to achieve a rapid transformation of the country. One of the leaders of the opposition party NDC says that the president is most anxious to arrange work for his friends and confidants, at unreasonable costs.
February
“Economy in crisis”
February 21st
President Akufo-Addo says that when he took office in January 2017, he was able to take over an economy in crisis, pointing to the large budget deficit, rising inflation and high unemployment. According to the president, almost not one of the IMF ‘s loan terms has been met.
January
New government takes office
January 9
Nana Akufo-Addo is sworn in as president. One day later, he represents his new government with, among others, Shirley Ayorkor Botchway as Foreign Minister and Ken Ofori-Atta as Finance Minister.
