CMA analyses President Akufo-Addo’s Independence Day speech

The Centre for Media Analysis (CMA) led by its Chief Executive Officer, Dr Messan Mawugbe, has revealed that, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's "Ghana Beyond Aid" agenda overshadowed national peace and Security in a speech he delivered at the 61st Independence Day Anniversary on Tuesday March 6.

According to Dr. Mawugbe, "A thematic analysis of the President's 61st National Independence Speech, revealed that out of the 27 themes analyzed from the President's speech, "Ghana beyond Aid" recorded the highest thematic prominence of 17 (16 %).

This was followed by National Peace and Security with 13 (12%).

"Ranked third was ‘A Change in National Attitude for national development’ which recorded 11 (10%). The management of corruption attained the 4th position with a score of 8 (7%). National Values 5, (5 %), Ghana's Destiny and Future 5, (5 %), Digitization of the Economy 5 (5 %), Youth-Education and Skills Development 5 (5 %) and Economic Transformation 5 (5%) followed.

"National Confidence and Respect theme placed 10th position out of the 27 themes with a score of 4 (4 %)", he stated in a statement issued to the media including Savannahnews on Wednesday.

According to the Media and Strategic Communication expert, thematic analysis of presidential speeches allowed for the critical appreciation of the agenda set by Presidents for their nations.

Adding, he said, "it is therefore against this backdrop that CMA took up the initiative to apply news thematic content analysis to ascertain the levels of themes in the President's speech."

Dr. Mawugbe pointed out that, "from the analysis, it is to a larger extent to say, the President of Ghana, is setting a new political legacy and economic trajectory for the country to work towards an economy devoid of excessive dependence on foreign aid. It is a laudable trajectory", he observed.

"The CMA, is of the view that, the high ranking of the "Ghana beyond Aid" theme- shouldn't be interpreted as government's insensitivity to National Peace and Security, but shows how effective it has that thematic agenda of Peace and Security in control", he opined.

Another important national call in the President's speech, he noted, was a "Change in National Attitude" as one of the core factors in achieving the "Economic Transformational and Value-Added Economy" for the country.