info@penplusbytes.org

Publications

SOCIAL MEDIA AND POLITICAL CAMPAIGNING IN GHANA

 

There is no denying the fact that the advent of social media has resulted in the most substantial and pervasive change to communication in modern times. Social media remains the greatest impetus for information dissemination in the 21st Century with its opportunities, particularly, evidenced in the spontaneity of political events more than ever.

PRELIMINARY STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTE’S INTERNATIONAL OBSERVER MISSION TO GHANA’S DECEMBER 7 PRESIDENTIAL AND LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS

 

This preliminary statement is offered by the international observer delegation fielded by the National Democratic Institute (NDI) to Ghana’s December 7, 2016, presidential and legislative elections. The 30-person delegation with members from 14 countries was co-led by: Johnnie Carson, senior advisor to the president of the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), member of the NDI board of directors, and former U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs; Yvonne Mokgoro, board chair of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund and former justice of the Constitutional Court of South Africa; Pat Merloe, senior associate and director of electoral programs at NDI; and Christopher Fomunyoh, senior associate for Africa and regional director at NDI.

3RD GOVERNANCE SOCIAL MEDIA INDEX REPORT

 

This edition of the Governance Social Media Index (GSMI) provides an assessment of which political parties and leaders have the most presence on social media and the level of their engagement ahead of the elections based on Penplusbytes’ monitoring.

3rd Quarter Social Media Index Report – October 2016

 

Premised on the same objectives as the 1st and 2nd Quarter reports, Penplusbytes’ 3rd Quarter Social Media Index (SMI) report reviews the outlook and performance of various Newspapers, Radio and TV establishments in Ghana based on their presence, followers and likes on social media; particularly Facebook and Twitter. With data collected remaining valid as at 15th October, 2016, this report measures how media entities utilize their online platforms to reach out and engage their target audience by employing a quantitative research module. The module provides relevant numerical figures which informs the rankings.

Governance Social Media Index Report – September 2016

 

The second edition of the GSMI, compiled on 30th September, 2016, builds on the first edition with a detailed analysis on the use of social media assets by these actors and what has changed. The second Governance Social Media Index (GSMI) was compiled after the disqualification of 13 presidential candidates from the 2016 General Elections by the Electoral Commission of Ghana. This edition however, includes these candidates because they were part of the first GSMI. The 2nd GSMI reveals that, political actors continue to use the social media to create a sense of connection and engagement with the larger citizenry.

Social Media Index (SMI) Report – June 2016

 

Penplusbytes, a leader in enhancing the work of journalists and promoting effective governance using technology in Africa, has released the 2nd Social Media Index (SMI) report on Ghana's print, and electronic media - Radio and Television. This SMI report reveals the performance of established newspapers, radio and TV stations in Ghana in the 2nd quarter of the year based on their presence, followers and likes on social media as at 30th June, 2016. Essentially, this report measures how these media entities utilize their online platforms to reach out and engage their target audience by employing a quantitative research module. The module provides relevant numerical figures which informs the rankings.

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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.