Of Disputes and Petitions: Exploring Media Framing of the 2012 Presidential Election Petition In Ghana

This exploratory study investigates how the media in Ghana framed the 2012 presidential Election Petition case. Using quantitative content analysis of stories from the digital platforms of an elite and a popular commercial radio station in Ghana, I found that both digital platforms relied mainly on game and conflict frames and the use of official sources in presenting stories. The use of the game frame was associated with the presence of official sources, and the use of conflict and responsibility frames. The study extends the theory of media coverage of Supreme Courts by showing that the political antecedents of a case holds a heavy sway in how the media covers the Supreme Court. It further shows that frames employed are influenced by a confluence of media routines, source needs, and judicial ramifications for journalists.