AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE METHODS OF CARTOONISTS AS SOCIAL COMMUNICATORS IN GHANA

Abstract

This study investigated how cartoonists used animated drawings to communicate their messages in the light of current socio-political developments in Ghana. One hundred and eighty cartoons (from January to June 2012) of three selected cartoonists, namely Politics and Politricks of the Enquirer, Akosua of the Daily Guide and T’Spoon of the Chronicle, (newspapers with pro-government, anti-government and neutral leanings respectively) were content analyzed. Content analysis, according to McQuail (2008), is a method of studying and analysing communication in a systematic and objective manner for the purpose of measuring variables. Ten of the cartoons were selected for emphasis and illustration in the study. The cartoonists employed the techniques of language, humor, camouflage, willful distortion and exaggeration of reality, symbolism, irony and satire to tease out the themes of the study. It emerged that the works of these cartoonists were influential as they contributed graphically to the ongoing political debate with their respective focus on corruption, the economy and other social issues.