TiMC 2023 virtual conference explores African youth's digital communication behaviours with a focus on indigenous theories and the impact of digital media

Accra, Ghana - November 7, 2023

By Juliana Kwofie

Photo: Prof Tanja Bosch (right) answering a question during Day 1 plenary. Left: Ivy Fofie, plenary moderator

In a momentous academic event, the Department of Communication Studies at the University of Ghana held a three-day virtual conference from 1-3 November 2023, dubbed "TiMC 2023".

The conference theme, "The African Youth and Communicative Behaviors in Digital Spaces," served as the thread for scholars, students of media and communication and practitioners from around the world, uniting them in the exploration of contemporary issues in media and digital communication.

In her welcome speech, Dr. Abena A. Yeboah-Banin, Head of the Department of Communication Studies, expressed her delight and highlighted that organizing this event had fulfilled a longstanding aspiration of the department to lead scholarly discourse on matters relating to media and communication. She underscored the paramount importance of creating a forum where emerging scholars could exchange their knowledge and perspectives on the dynamic media and communication landscape in today's digital era.

The conference convener, Dr. Theodora Dame Adjin-Tettey, extended her heartfelt gratitude to the conference committee members for their diligence in planning and organizing the TiMC 2023. Adjin-Tettey highlighted the importance of the conference in forging a global network of scholars and thought leaders capable of engaging in critical discussions about the many issues the field of media and communication faces. 

Photo: Group photo taken at the end of day 3 plenary. The top left: Keynote speaker, Md Beryl Agyekum-Ayaaba, CEO of EchoHouse.

Commending the Department of Communication Studies for their exemplary efforts, Prof. Samuel Nii Ardey Codjoe, the Provost of the College of Education, acknowledged the pivotal role of the conference in addressing pressing contemporary issues in the communication landscape.

During the conference's opening ceremony, Prof Tanja Bosch of the Centre for Film and Television Studies, University of Cape Town, delivering an intellectually stimulating keynote address, outlined several crucial aspects of youth communicative behaviours in the digital age, especially within the African context.

Prof. Bosch emphasized the need to develop communication theories specifically attuned to the unique challenges within African contexts. In the same vein, she urged African scholars to not only create these theories but also to champion and promote them, ensuring that African perspectives shine prominently on the global academic stage.

Prof. Bosch underlined the importance of critically examining the impact of digital media, particularly in Africa. She added that, investigating how digital platforms influence information dissemination, shape public opinion, and impact social and political dynamics is crucial for making informed decisions about media regulation, education, and digital literacy.

Furthermore, Prof. Bosch emphasized the need for African communication scholars to pay special attention to how the digital age is redefining communication processes on the continent. The proliferation of digital media platforms, she noted has opened new avenues for African voices to be heard on pressing issues which is pertinent to the continent.

Prof. Bosch also signalled that this has also raised unique challenges, including issues related to information access, misinformation, and online privacy. She called on African scholars to engage in robust research to better comprehend these dynamics.

Photo: Day 3 doctoral colloquium panel

Building on these insights, Prof. Bosch stressed the importance of addressing both the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. Scholars and communicators should work collaboratively to leverage the potential of digital media, promoting the amplification and appreciation of African voices, narratives, and perspectives within the global landscape.

The TiMC 2023 conference continued with rich panel session contributions from scholars and experts from across the globe, presenting their research papers and sharing insights related to the overarching theme of ‘African youth's digital communicative behaviours’. The virtual format of the conference enabled broad and diverse participation thus facilitating attendees' engagement.

African youth face unique opportunities and challenges in the digital communication landscape. TiMC 2023 ignited a global community of scholars committed to addressing these issues. Thus, the conference marked a significant milestone in the academic exploration of media and communication ecosystem in the digital age.

Photo: Some members of the TiMC 2023 Organising Committee