Dr Wilberforce S. Dzisah

Department

Liberal Arts & Hospitality Studies

Wilberforce S. Dzisah is currently the Head of the Department (HoD), of Liberal Arts and Communication Studies (LACS). He holds a Doctor of Philosophy Degree (PhD) in Communication and Media Research, University of Westminster (2008), U.K. He is also a SUSU Scholar, Institute of International Journalism, Ohio University (2012), USA. Dr. Dzisah has a wealth of experience in his field and prior to joining GIMPA held the position of Rector of the pioneer journalism institution in Ghana, the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) from 2014-2018. He had also served as the Deputy Rector (2012-2014) and Dean of the same institution (2011-2012). He served as a Research Fellow at the African Media Centre at the University of Westminster (2006-2008). Dr Dzisah practised as a professional journalist for a decade before switching to academia.

Professional affiliations

Ghana Journalists Association (GIJ)
Association of Educators in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC)
European Communication Research and Education Association (ECREA)
Southern Africa Communication Association (SACOMM)
Media, Communication & Cultural Studies Association (MECCSA)
International Communication Association (ICA)
International Association for Media and Communication Research – (IAMCR)

PhD in Communication and Media Research, University of Westminster, United Kingdom – 2008
MA Journalism Studies, Cardiff University, Wales, United Kingdom- 2004

Political and Diplomatic Communication
Development Communication
Corporate Communication and Communication Theory
Public Speaking and Presentation

Social Media, Political Communication and Democracy;
Media Systems, Democracy and Participation;
Ethics, Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Development;
Journalism, Media and Communication Education;

Health Communication

Master’s Level Course, SOLASS, GIMPA, Accra, Ghana

MDC 701B: Development Communication Strategies
MDC 700B: Communication & Development Theories
IRD 725B: Diplomatic Communication
MDC 714B: Development Communication Seminars
MDC 700B: Communication & Development Theories

Undergraduate Level Course, GIMPA Business School, GIMPA, Accra, Ghana

LAS 127B: Ethics and Values
BUS 402B: Communication II
BUS 001B: Business Communication I
BUS 002B: Business Communication II
BUS 401B: Contemporary Development Issues in Ghana Management

Selected Publications

Dzisah, W.S. & Herzuah, P. (2024). Political Communication in an Emerging Democracy: A Framing Analysis of Presidential Inaugural Addresses in Ghana’s Fourth Republic. In A. Ayee., S. Alidu., & L. Amoah (eds.) Political Institutions, Party Politics, and Communication in Ghana: Three Decades of the Fourth Republic. London: Palgrave. Pp. 199-220.
Dzisah, W.S., Herzuah, P., & Diedong, L. A. (2024). Social Media, Socialization and Discursive Politics. Journal of African Media Studies, Vol. 16 (1), pp. 1-17.
Dzisah, W.S. (Forthcoming 2024). Social Media’s Communication Power in Ghana Elections (2016-2020). In A. Theviot & E. Guevara (eds.) Elections and Social Networks in a Comparative Perspective. New York: Routledge.
Dzisah, W.S. (2024). Public Policymaking in the Age of New Media. In M. Kpessa-Whyte & J. Dzisah (eds.) Public Policy in Ghana. Palgrave Mamillan10.1007/978-3-031-33005-6_13. pp.221-236
Dzisah, W.S. Naaikuur, L. and Diedong, A. L. (2022). “Stakeholders and Community Radio: Promoting Participatory Governance in Ghana.” Journal of the Humanities 32.2, Pp.118-144 [DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ljh.v32i2.6]
Dzisah, W.S. (2020). “Social Media and Participation in Ghana’s 2016 Elections.” In M. N. Ndlela and W. Mano (Eds.) Social Media and Elections in Africa: Theoretical Perspectives and Election Campaigns. London: Palgrave Macmillan. pp. 97-118. [ISBN – 10: 303030552X; 13:978-3030305529 & DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-30553-6]
Dzisah, W.S. (2020). The Media-Democracy Paradox: Rethinking Political Communication in an African Context. Bristol & Chicago: Intellect & Chicago Universities Press. 212 pages. [ISBN 978-1-78938-236-5; 978-1-78938-238-9; 978-1-78938-237-2]
Dzisah, W.S. (2019). “Relevance of Communication Strategies and Funding Orphanages in Ghana.” Journal of Development Studies, 16 (3), 87-108. [DOI//http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/gjds.vi613.5]
Dzisah, W.S. (2018). “Social Media and Elections in Ghana: Enhancing Democratic Participation.” African Journalism Studies, 39:1, 27-47, DOI:10.1080/23743670.2018.14527742. (Routledge)
Dzisah, W.S. (2017). “Media Representation and the Ghanaian Youth.” Journal of Communication, Media and Society, Vol. 4 (1), Yamens Press Ltd. [ISSN: 20265131]
Dzisah, W.S. (2016). “The Print Media Coverage of Ghana’s Legislature.” Journal of Communication, Media and Society, Vol. 3 (1), Yamens Press Ltd. [ISSN: 20265131
Dzisah, W.S. (2016). “Responsible Journalism and the Quest for Professional Standards in Ghana” (Reviewed) L. A. Diedong (2016) Ghana Journal for Development Studies: Vol. 13 (2)
Dzisah, W.S. (2014). “Ghana Media Systems, Journalism Practice and Political Culture” in Y. Kalyango and D. Mould (Eds.). The Handbook of Communication and Culture Series: Palgrave Macmillan. [ISBN: 978-1-137-44055-6]
Dzisah, W.S. (2011). “Theoretical Shifts: Transformations from Tradition to New Media and Participation.” Journal of Communication, Media and Society, Vol. 2 (1), Yamens Press Ltd.
Dzisah, W.S. and Azumah, V. (eds.) (2011). Stories from the Frontline: End Poverty Together. Nairobi: Actionaid.
Dzisah, W. S. (2010). Media, Democracy and Participation. Accra: GIJ Press. [ISBN: 978-9988- 1 -3675-8]
Dzisah, W. S. (2007). “From Lapdogs to Watchdogs.” Communication Research and Education Journal (Vol. 1:2, 41-59.
Dzisah, W.S. (2006). “A Real Battle with This Thing Called PhD.” Findings, Vol. 1:7, 11-24.
Dzisah, W.S. (2005). “The Press and Political Culture in Ghana” (Reviewed) J. Hasty (2005) Ecquid Novi: AJS 29(1): 126-128

Peer reviewed conference papers

Dzisah, W.S. (2022). ‘Media Development and Ownership in Ghana’s Democracy’. Paper presentation at the virtual seminar organized by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences on Modernization of Governance System and Governance Capacity for Belt &Road Countries, June 14 – June 17, 2022.
Dzisah, W.S. (2022). ‘Policy-Making in the Age of New Media’ Paper presented at the virtual seminar organized by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, June 14-June 17, 2022.
Dzisah, W.S. (2021). ‘Communicating Development of Oil and Gas in Ghana: The Responsiveness of Oil Companies to Development Needs of Communities’. Paper presented at the Virtual Conference organized by the International Association of Mass Communication Research (IAMCR) – November 24-30, 2021.
Dzisah, W.S. (2019). Africa and China’s Sphere of Communicating Soft Power: PR Stunt or Genuine Collaboration? Paper presented at Communication and Governance Capacity Conference organized by Communication University of China, Beijing. 10-14 January, 2019.
Dzisah, W.S. (2018). Africa’s Governance Conundrum: The Dangers of State Capture and the central role of Communication. Presented at Communication and Governance Capacity Conference, Communication University of China. 18-23 January, 2018.
Dzisah, W.S. (2017). Social Media and Elections in Ghana: Have They Contributed to the Smooth Transition? Presented at Election and Social Media in Africa: Influence of Viral Cultures on Democratisation, University of Westminster, U.K. 19-21 June, 2017.
Dzisah, W.S. (2017). Media Representation and Migrant Youth. Paper presented at the Rights & Might: Cultural Counter-Narratives of the Migrant and Refugee Experiences. University of Westminster, London. 22-25 June, 2017.
Dzisah, W.S. (2017). Mediating Conflict Using the Media in Ghana. Paper presented at the 6^th Orbicom UNESCO Symposium organized by Universitas Pancasila, Jakarta. 4-6 May, 2017.
Dzisah, W.S. (2016). Media and Conflict Reporting in Ghana. Paper presented at the UNESCO Conference under the theme “Towards Pedagogy of Peace: Enhancing Intercultural Competencies through Journalism Curricula, Nairobi (Kenya). 26-27 April, 2016.
Dzisah, W. S. (2012). The Case of Ghana’s Ecological Development and Communication Imperatives. Paper presented at the National Geographic and Ecological Development Conference, Washington D.C., United States. 11-13 August, 2012.
Dzisah, W. S. (2012). Is Africa Relevant in the 2012 American Elections? Paper presented at the Centenary Conference of the Association of Educators in Journalism and Mass Communication (AEJMC), Chicago, United States. 4-9 August, 2012.
Dzisah, W. S. (2012). Dialectics of Innovation in Development. Paper presented at the Study of the United States Institute (SUSI), Ohio University, United States. 31 July, 2012.
Dzisah, W. S. (2012). Ghana Media Systems and Political Culture. Presented at the Study of the United States Institute (SUSI), Ohio University, United States. 9 July, 2012.
Dzisah, W. S. (2012). Gender Inequalities and Representation. Paper presented at the Beyond Normative Approaches Conference, University of Witwatersrand, South Africa. 27-29 February, 2012.
Dzisah, W.S. (2011). Politics of Performance and Performance of Politics. Paper, presented at the Performance and Social Meaning Seminar, University of Sussex, England. 6-9 August, 2011.
Dzisah, W.S. (2011). Beyond Specter of Violent Elections in Africa: Ghana’s Perceived Peaceful Elections of 2004 and 2008. Presented at the Media and Elections in Africa Conference, University of Westminster, U.K. 16-19 August, 2011.
Dzisah, W.S. (2010). The Social Dimension of Mobile Telephony as a Conversational tool. Presented at the International Association for Mass Communication Research (IAMCR) conference, Braga, Portugal. 28-30 July, 2010.
Dzisah, W. S. (2010). Ghana and the Colonial Baggage of Western Democracy. Presented at Coventry University, England, 17 January, 2010.
Dzisah, W. S. (2008). Revisiting Development Communication Theories in Africa. Presented at CAMRI Media and Development in Africa Conference, University of Westminster, U.K. 27-28 March, 2008.
Dzisah, W. S. (2007). African Democracy and the Dilemmas of Liberal Communication. Presented at Africa Highway Project Conference, Rhodes University, South Africa. 24-26 September, 2007.
Dzisah, W. S. (2007). From Lapdogs to Watchdogs. Presentation at Media Technologies in an Enlarged European Public Spheres. The European Communication Research and Educational Association Conference (ECREA), Tartu, Estonia, 19-31 August, 2007.
Dzisah, W.S. (2007). Nkrumah’s Vision and Media Development in the African Context. Presented at the CAMRI Media and Democracy Conference, London. March 5-8, 2007.
Dzisah, W.S. (2006). China’s Communication Agenda and Africa’s Reality. Presented at the CAMRI China Media Conference, London. 15-16 June, 2006.
Dzisah, W. S. (2006). Media Evolution in Promoting Social Change in Ghana. Presented at the CAMRI Media and Social Change Conference, London. March 12-15, 2006.
Dzisah, W.S. (2006). Press Freedom, Professionalism and Proprietorship: Beyond the Ghanaian Media Divide. Presented at the CAMRI Africa Seminar Series, Stanhope Centre/University of Westminster, London. 25 February, 2006.

Books & Book Reviews

Dzisah, W.S. (2020). The Media-Democracy Paradox: Rethinking Political Communication in an African Context. Bristol & Chicago: Intellect & Chicago Universities Press. 212 pages. [ISBN 978-1-78938-236-5; 978-1-78938-238-9; 978-1-78938-237-2]
Dzisah, W.S. and Azumah, V. (eds.) (2011). Stories from the Frontline: End Poverty Together. Nairobi: IASL.
Dzisah, W. S. (2010). Media, Democracy and Participation. Accra: GIJ Press. [ISBN:978-9988-1-3675-8]
Dzisah, W.S. (2016). Responsible Journalism and the Quest for Professional Standards in Ghana by A.L. Diedong (2016), Journal for Development Studies, 13:2, pp. 207-211.
Dzisah, W.S. (2008). The Press and Political Culture in Ghana by J. Hasty, Ecquid Novi: AJS 29:1, pp. 126-128.

Office: SOLASS Building
E-mail: wdzisah@gimpa.edu.gh