Anani Yao Kuwornu
Graduate Student, Communication
Education
M.A., Development Communication, University of Media, Arts and Culture (formerly Ghana Institute of Journalism)
Research Expertise
Digital Media
Public Relations
Strategic Communication
Anani Yao Kuwornu is a Ph.D. student at the Department of Communication. Yao holds an M.A in Development Communication from the University of Media, Arts and Culture (UniMAC) an MPhil in Business Administration (Human Capital Development focus) from University of Ghana Business School and a B.A in Philosophy and Theater Arts (combined major) also from University of Ghana.
Yao Kuwornu is interested in understanding how digital media facilitates or impacts communication in the context of online communication for civic or political action, which in effect explores the connections between digital media, crisis and intercultural communication. His interests are driven by the desire to explore the management of crisis, on the back of digital evolution and advances in technology and the socio-cultural nuances at play.
Publications
Two Decades of Flooded Stories: Unpacking Media Discourses on Rain Disasters and Environmental Risks in Ghana Through Machine Learning
New project supported by the University of Maryland grant under the Faculty-Student Research Award (FSRA)
Author/Lead: Nana Kwame Os…, Anani Yao KuwornuMedia discourses on environmental disasters play a crucial role in shaping public opinion, perceptions of the disaster, policy formation, and management strategies. This study employed a computational approach to examine the African media agenda and sentiments surrounding flood disasters in Ghana over 20 years (2004–2024). Findings uncovered media discourses around the complex climate change paradox, government disaster preparedness, and risk management, as well as rural/urban practices and their effects. Results also indicated that the majority of coverage was positive (69.45%), whereas less than half (30.55%) was negative, with no neutral coverage. In addition, the study observed positive sentiments regarding the coverage of the proactive steps taken by the government and its agencies in responding to the disaster. In contrast, negative sentiments focused on the loss of lives and the destruction of property. The study discussed the role of cultural norms in these findings to contribute to the praxis of media and environmental disaster communication.
Uncivil Discourses, Online Comments and Politics: A Case Study of Discussions Surrounding Ghana’s Lithium Deal
New publication on uncivil discourses, online comments, and politics
Author/Lead: Nana Kwame Os…Contributor(s): Anani Yao Kuwornu
Ghana’s lithium deal with Barari DV in 2023 sparked discussions among various stakeholders. The “sticky” nature of the agreement revived political conversations across many online platforms. Dr. Nana Kwame Osei Fordjour, Inusah Mohammed, and Anani Yao Kuwornu examined how users engaged in online discussions about the agreement through the lenses of deliberative discourses and incivility for Communicatio: “Uncivil Discourses, Online Comments, and Politics: A Case Study of Discussions Surrounding Ghana’s Lithium Deal.”
Their research highlights the potential influence of online forums on shaping political dialogue and democratic participation in Africa, revealing both their strengths and drawbacks.