Mohammed Faisal Amadu awarded PhD

We are delighted to announce that our CAMRI doctoral researcher Mohammed Faisal Amadu has been awarded a PhD for his thesis titled: “Community Radio Broadcasting and Local Governance Participation in Ghana: A Study of Simli Radio in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region”.

The thesis was examined by Prof. Joe Tacchi (Loughborough University, external examiner,) and Prof Prof Miriyam Aouragh (University of Westminster, internal examiner).

Congratulations, Dr Amadu!

The thesis focused on the intersection of radio and development based on an ethnographic case study, exploring the impact of community radio in Ghana on participatory governance and decision-making processes. The study addressed key empirical gaps in development communication and media theories on how, and why, poor local community participation and weaknesses in local accountability in decentralised reforms are linked to an inadequate flow of communication and the lack of legitimate mechanisms with which to amplify the voices of ordinary members of the community. Additionally, the research explored the question of how local radio addresses the failure of existing communication systems in local government structures to facilitate active citizen-government dialogue that strengthens the articulation of community voices and enhances the responsiveness of local government policies and initiatives in local community development.

Reflecting on his achievement, Dr Amadu commented: “My PhD journey was a path of resilience, passion, and personal growth. It was a journey that embodied the essence of media and communication – adapting, connecting, and evolving through the storms, emerging stronger and more determined to leave footprints on sunstones. Navigating the bustling world of academia in one of the world’s most iconic media hubs was an exhilarating experience for me. Yet, it was also a journey marked by challenges, including the unprecedented disruptions caused by the global pandemic, COVID-19 and the passing of my son. It was a deeply painful and trying moment, testing my emotional fortitude and resolve to continue my academic journey. The support I received from the University, and my academic advisors – Revd. Dr. Linfoot and Prof. Mano, my peers and my family – were instrumental in helping me find the strength and courage to persevere. I found a beacon of light in the University of Westminster during this dark period. A University that offered me a nurturing environment that allowed me to transform adversity into an opportunity for growth. The resilience I cultivated during my studies, bolstered by the unwavering support of my academic community, empowered me to complete my PhD and honour my son’s legacy. My thesis therefore became a tribute to my son’s memory – a testament to his lasting influence on my life and my determination to make a difference in the world”.

Revd. Dr. Linfoot, Director of Studies, described Dr Amadu’s research as “a highly original project, synergising theories of community media and local government and development”. He added: “Faisal’s fieldwork, in the Kumbungu District, using Simli Radio as a case study, was completed under very challenging circumstances and the resulting thesis provides a rich and detailed insight into this fascinating ecology of media, community and administration”.

Prof. Winston Mano, second supervisor, noted: “Mo’s PhD, focusing on radio and development, offers a nuanced interdisciplinary approach in ways that pushes the existing work about media development. He worked with Dr Matthew Linfoot and me as his supervisors to theorise on the role of local/community radio in development in Ghana. The thesis brilliantly demonstrates the continued importance of radio in Africa and other similar contexts.”

Image: CAMRI