The Common Ground Research Network of the University of Illinois in the United States selected UKZN PhD student Mr Akwasi Bosompem Boateng for its emerging scholar award in recognition of his outstanding research work.
Boateng, who is at the Centre for Communication, Media and Society (CCMS), said he was proud his work had been recognised by the international academic community.
‘Being chosen as an outstanding scholar from among many graduate students across the globe through a competitive selection process makes me feel honoured,’ he said.
His PhD project is titled: Facebook Usage in Political Communication in Ghana: The Case of Two Political Parties, which explores how social media, especially Facebook, is used by political parties for engaging and interacting with stakeholders.
He argues for technology appropriation for relationship management in the advancement of political agendas. The study employs a mixed method approach through the concepts of technology appropriation, relationship management and agenda setting to theorise the usage of social media in political communication.
Professor Donal Patrick McCracken of the School of Applied Human Sciences is supervising the research.
Boateng is looking forward to becoming a post-doctoral research fellow at the CCMS so he can further develop his academic skills. He believes that this will prepare him for an academic career, which will fulfil his passion for imparting knowledge to the future generation of leaders.
His message to fellow students is: ‘Explore the many opportunities available and do your best in pursuing goals in order to excel. No matter where you are, your efforts could be recognised if you work hard.’
