Social media is changing Ghana's political setting by altering how people communicate with public authorities, express their ideas, and participate in political discourse.Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat, TikTok, and Twitter (now X) have become vital tools for activists, political parties, and regular people, promoting a new era of digital democracy and magnifying political conversation.As of 2024, social media has an internet penetration rate of about 70%, making it an effective instrument for political engagement and activism, particularly among young people.
Political parties can reach voters more effectively in the digital age, but there are drawbacks as well, such as polarization, misinformation, and cyberbullying. Social media as a tool for Political Engagement and AdvocacyGhanaian political parties have acknowledged social media's potential as a direct line of communication with the public.
Politicians may respond to national issues, issue statements, and give real-time updates without depending on traditional media thanks to platforms like Twitter.Digital campaigns surged during the 2020 elections, with parties and candidates interacting with followers through Instagram postings, Twitter spaces, and Facebook Live sessions.The National Democratic Congress (NDC) opposition leader, John Mahama, regularly utilized Twitter to comment on government policies and express his ideas to young people.In order to promote initiatives like Free Senior High School, President Nana Akufo-Addo and the New Patriotic Party (NPP) used Facebook and Instagram promotions, which greatly increased their popularity among young people and even the older generations.Alongside political campaigns, citizens are organizing around key issues to form online advocacy movements.
In 2021, the #FixTheCountry movement, which called for improved living conditions and government accountability, grew significantly on Twitter, compelling politicians to personally address popular complaints.Other hashtags like #BringBackOurLight and #JusticeForKaaka have also shown how online activism is increasingly influencing public discourse.