Military/Media Dichotomy and Its Impact on Military Operations in West Africa

The military and the media are two important organizations critical to sustaining a democratic state. This study throws light on the media's perception of themselves as a neutral and powerful voice of the masses that often sees the military and her operations as an impediment to securing uncensored information. The study also highlights the military's chariness of the media which originates from frequent misrepresented information given without regard to security requirements, protection of life, and the future role and effectiveness of the military. The study offers sounds arguments to the military and the media as to why the strained relationship must change. The study reveals that years of the military's political repression led to a strain in the relationship between the military and the media. As the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) grapples with its role in the country's young democracy, the opportunity for reengaging the media and presenting the military as a unique establishment has never been better. One certainty is that the media will continuously have a great influence on the military and public opinion. The requirement for the military to collaborate and cooperate with the media in the midst of what will inexorably be complex and confusing situations is what will reduce the dichotomy.