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Brown envelope journalism, policing the policeman, conflict of interest and (media) corporate governance: The case of Ghana

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Abstract

Corruption goes by different euphemisms in media organisations in Ghana, but the phenomenon has hardly been studied to understand its nature, content and context. This paper charts that course. It draws on empirical data from journalists and non-journalism sources in order to highlight why and how corruption is rife in media establishments, and it also discusses implications for (media) corporate governance. The paper offers some suggestions for reducing this level of corruption, such as training management and staff in specific ways on professionalism and with lessons that can be drawn from other sources.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. 12 Pilton place, Cardiff, CF14 3DS, UK

    Theophilus Kofi Gokah

Authors
  1. Theophilus Kofi Gokah
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  2. Percival Kofi Dzokoto
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  3. Esinath E Ndiweni
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Correspondence to Theophilus Kofi Gokah.

Additional information

1holds a PhD in Sociology and Education. His professional background is in Radio Journalism. He previously worked with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation and is currently a visiting lecturer to various universities in the United Kingdom. His research interests are multidisciplinary – the interface between law and policy, human rights law, IE&C, children's rights and well-being in Africa, public international public health communication and Qualitative Research Methodology.

2holds MA degrees in International Relations, Small Arms and Conflict Management International Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies. Before his academic pursuit, he worked as a radiio broadcaster with the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation.

3holds a PhD in Accounting and Finance and is an affiliate of ACCA. Her research interests are in management accounting, corporate governance and ethics in accounting. She has carried out consultancy work for small and medium enterprises and non-governmental organisations in Zimbabwe. Before joining the academia, Esi worked for the Banking Industry and the Railways. E-mail: ENdiweni@uwic.ac.uk.

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Gokah, T., Dzokoto, P. & Ndiweni, E. Brown envelope journalism, policing the policeman, conflict of interest and (media) corporate governance: The case of Ghana. Int J Discl Gov 6, 167–179 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1057/jdg.2008.30

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1057/jdg.2008.30

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