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Publications

Making Inroads – Learnings from Penplusbytes and DW Akademie’s Media and Information Literacy Initiatives in Ghana

 

This abridged report aims to share the lessons learnt from Penplusbytes/DW Akademie MIL project; developing and implementing MIL initiatives over the past three years to inform the constructive discourse on the strategies to promote MIL in Ghana.

Ghana Card Over 1000 interchanges, Is Dr. Bawumia misunderstood?

 

This is the first edition in our newly developed Periodic Rapid Analysis (PRA) of happenings in and around Ghana in the technology and good governance, new media and innovations, extractives and climate and well being sectors. This first PRA focuses on a recent statement by Ghana's Vice President, Dr. Bawumia on the need for a strong digital economy which will lead to better development as against a concentration on brick and mortar.

1st QUARTER SOCIAL MEDIA INDEX REPORT – MARCH 2022

 

The report reviews the outlook and performance of Newspapers, Radio and TV stations in Ghana based on their presence, “followers” and “likes” on social media; particularly Facebook and Twitter. A new entrant to this report is the rank of media outlets use of Instagram which has become trendy in recent times. With collected data remaining valid as at 31st March, 2022, this report rates how media establishments have made good use of their social media platforms to reach out and engage audiences by employing a quantitative research module.

Domestic Philanthropy – A panacea for Community Development

 

Penplusbytes set out to conduct a dipstick survey to find out the enablers for Ghanaians and organizations and what factors they consider before they decide to give or not to give in kind or cash in support of just and relevant causes. A sub-theme for this report was also, to find out if Ghanaians will be willing to use online and mobile platforms to give for charitable causes particularly if these are championed by civil society.

Policy Brief on Digital Campaigns and Elections: what works?

 

New media has brought about significant changes in the campaign strategies of political parties, candidates, and political organizations; reshaped election media coverage; and influenced voter engagement. However, this technology-driven style of engaging electorates which has enormous prospects also has some challenges which needs to be considered in leveraging its benefits. This policy brief therefore, highlights the good, the bad and the ugly of digital campaigns and the strategies political communicators can adopt to make their digital campaigns useful. This policy brief is a product of the Penplusbytes' Webinar Series on Elections 2020 which aims at finding solutions to the multifaceted issues of inclusivity, legitimacy and acceptance of fair election results in Ghana.

Policy Brief on Electoral Violence Prevention: Strategies that work

 

No country is immune to electoral violence so long as citizens hold different political ideologies and are affiliated to different political parties. However, it is believed that a holistic approach where the right measures are put in place to ensure fairness and transparency is essential to the prevention of electoral violence right from the campaign, voting and after voting periods. Thus, this policy brief is a call to action for stakeholders on the pertinent strategies which must be implemented towards violent-free elections in Ghana. This policy brief is a product of the Penplusbytes' Webinar Series on Elections 2020 which aims at finding solutions to the multifaceted issues of inclusivity, legitimacy and acceptance of fair election results in Ghana.

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Established on the 18th of July 2001, Penplusbytes is a not-for-profit organization driving change through innovations in three key areas: using new digital technologies to enable good governance and accountability, new media and innovations, and driving oversight for effective utilisation of mining, oil and gas revenue and resources.

Vision:

To be the leading institution for promoting effective governance using technology in Africa.

Mission:

Promoting effective governance by deploying technology that enhances participation. 

Strategy:

Penplusbytes is in the process of developing a new strategic plan through multi stakeholder engagements which has the following as objectives; leveraging technology & knowledge to enhance good governance, enabling the media, civil society and other stakeholders to use new digital tools and innovations, building a vibrant community of technology savvy advocates of good governance among others.

Values:  

The values and guiding principles that are promoted and staff of Penplusbytes must epitomise includes:

  • PROFESSIONALISM:  We are committed to excellence in providing the best possible services to our clients in a responsive and non-partisan way. We favour a collaborative approach in order to achieve sustainable results and added value.  
  • INGENUITY:  We seek and embrace new approaches for service delivery and strive to develop innovative solutions to address the challenges faced by our clients, while leveraging the experience, expertise and creativity of our staff and partners.
  • VALUING PEOPLE: We are respectful and fair with our colleagues, clients and partners while recognizing the importance of diversity and open communication.
  • HIGH STANDARDS:  We aim for excellence in service delivery and in all the work that we or our partners commit to do. We constantly apply new learning to the way we do things and apply resources to achieving outstanding results every time.
  • TRANSPARENCY:  We are transparent and accountable in the work that we do, applying the highest level of integrity and trust in dealing with all of our partners and clients. We accept individual and team responsibility for our actions and for the results of our projects and programs.
  • Promoting media pluralism and good governance in Africa using new digital technologies.