The masked messenger: Uncovering partisan agenda in Ghanas media

This study explores the critical role of media ownership and framing in fueling political vigilantism in Ghana. Drawing on media ownership theory and framing theory, the research investigates how partisan control over media outlets and the framing of political discourse contribute to election-related violence. With increasing political polarization, many Ghanaian media outlets are either owned or heavily influenced by politicians, leading to biased reporting, unethical journalism, and the proliferation of partisan narratives. Through semi-structured interviews with journalists, academics, politicians, and civil servants, the study uncovers how the media landscape not only reflects but also shapes and perpetuates political vigilantism in Ghana. Findings indicate that media content is frequently aligned with the interests of political owners, with journalists often prioritizing partisan loyalty over professional standards. This trend has normalized the use of inciteful rhetoric, sensationalism, and selective reporting, which embolden vigilante groups and undermine democratic accountability. Moreover, the appointment of journalists to political positions further complicates the media’s watchdog function, compromising its neutrality and professionalism and eroding public trust. The study emphasizes the urgent need for legal reforms, particularly the passage and unbiased implementation of the Broadcasting Bill 2014, to regulate politicians’ ownership of media outlets and restore journalistic integrity.