The School of Information and Communication Studies (SICS), in partnership with the Africa Media Bureau (AMB), has hosted a Media Convergence Conference aimed at examining the evolving landscape of journalism and media practice in Ghana’s digital age.
The conference, held on Wednesday, 29th April, 2026 at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, brought together academics, media practitioners, policymakers and technology experts. Under the theme “The Future of Media Practice, Education and Policy in Ghana,” the event created a platform for open and practical conversations about the direction of journalism in an increasingly digital environment.
At the heart of the discussions was the recognition that traditional media platforms such as radio, television and print are undergoing significant change. Participants noted that changing audience behaviours, declining advertising revenue and the rise of digital platforms are forcing media organisations to rethink how they operate, sustain themselves and connect with audiences.
Mr. George Twumasi, Chief Executive Officer of ABN Holdings and Co-founder of the Africa Public Interest Media Initiative
Delivering the keynote address, Mr. George Twumasi, Chief Executive Officer of ABN Holdings and Co-founder of the Africa Public Interest Media Initiative, spoke about the disruptive effects of platform dominance and shrinking traditional media audiences. He stressed the need for newsrooms to adapt strategically while maintaining editorial integrity and public trust.
1st from left: Professor Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, Dean, School of Information and Communication Studies
From the academic side, Professor Abena Animwaa Yeboah-Banin, Dean of the School of Information and Communication Studies, University of Ghana, highlighted the importance of bridging academic inquiry with the realities of media practice. She drew attention to the relevance of brand communication, media development and gender representation in understanding the ongoing transformation of the media landscape.
A key issue that emerged during the conference was the gap between classroom training and industry expectations. Participants expressed concern about whether existing curricula adequately equip graduates with the technological competence, ethical grounding and practical skills required in today’s converged media environment. This led to renewed calls for stronger collaboration between universities and media organisations through internships, joint research and curriculum reform.
Mr. Samuel Attah-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer, Channel One TV and Citi FM
Industry leader Mr. Samuel Attah-Mensah, Chief Executive Officer of Channel One TV and Citi FM, also contributed to the discussions. He underscored the transformative role of technology in storytelling and audience engagement, while urging media organisations to embrace innovation without compromising ethical standards and credibility.
The conference featured a series of panel discussions examining Ghana’s progress in media convergence, strategies for sustainability and monetisation, and the future direction of media education. It concluded with a communiqué outlining recommendations for policy reform, curriculum enhancement, and the development of ethical frameworks to guide the media industry in the digital era.