A sober, firsthand look at evangelical Christian churches in Accra, Ghana.

In sub-Saharan Africa over the last two decades there has been an explosion of Christianity. This book sets out to identify its particular character, focusing on a particular place: Greater Accra, the capital of Ghana. Paul Gifford examines a wide range of Accra's new churches, giving priority to mega-churches. Every dimension -- discourse, theological vision, worship, rituals, music, media involvement, use of the Bible, conventions, finances, clientele -- is analysed. Gifford argues that this Christianity is not otherworldly: its emphasis is on success, achievement, wealth here and now. Yet within this general orientation there is diversity. At one end of the spectrum are churches that, building on the traditional religious imagination, see demonic forces everywhere blocking personal success. In the churches the key factor is the special 'man of God' who is understood to have the 'anointing' to conquer these forces, to 'reverse the curse' that is holding the believer back. At the other end is a strain of this new Christianity that discounts spiritual forces and sees victory resulting from the believer's own education and skills, and from transforming culture.The book also joins the debate over the role of this Christianity in modernizing economic and political structures. It sets the scene by describing Ghana's political and economic situation in the decades when these churches were proliferating, and outlines the current debate on the reasons for Africa's economic plight. It is argued that although focusing on success and wealth can provide motivation in circumstances where it is so easy to despair, the pervasive emphasis on miracles militates against any natural fostering of a new work ethic. As for their political role, some churches are easily co-opted; others challenge the government, but for 'spiritual' reasons that provide little incentive to grapple with issues of governance; by contrast, Gifford finds one important church encouraging change of the entire political culture. No other book has set forth the complex nature of Africa's new Christianity with such clarity, or offered such a searching analysis of its power to tackle Africa's predicament.

The book contributes to the sparse academic literature on African and minority language media research. It serves as a compendium of experiences, activities and case studies on the use of native language media. Chapters in this book make theoretical, methodical and empirical contributions about indigenous African language media that are affected by structural factors of politics, technology, culture and economy and how they are creatively produced and appropriated by their audiences across African cultures and contexts. This book explores indigenous African language media about media representations, media texts and contents, practice-based activities, audience reception and participation, television, popular culture and cinema, peace and conflict resolution, health and environmental crisis communication, citizen journalism, ethnic and identity formation, beat analysis and investigative journalism, and corporate communication. There are hardly any similar works that focus on the various issues relating to this body of knowledge. The book provides a valuable companion for scholars in various fields like communication, media studies, African studies, African languages, popular culture, journalism, health and environmental communication.

This significant book addresses an important missing link in the literature on politics, governance, public policy and administration in sub-Saharan Africa. It contributes to the understanding of the emergence of independent institutions that are now playing active roles in formulating and implementing public policies and programs in these countries.

'This book makes a significant contribution to the literature on natural resource law and governance by engaging specifically with the issues arising in the African region. It covers a wide spectrum of issues that are key to the sustainable use of natural resources in the region, thus making it an important resource for anyone interested in natural resource governance and economic development in the African region.' – Philippe Cullet, University of London, UK This well-researched book covers a wide spectrum of important issues that are central to investment in natural resources and ultimately, economic development of Africa. Francis Botchway and the expert contributors analyse the relationships between good governance and resource management, as well as the existing commercial and financial agreements. The environmental implication of resource exploitation and the international dimensions of the industry are also explored in this insightful study. Each comprehensive and concise contribution highlights the importance of transparency and equity in investment and management of natural resources. Natural Resource Investment and Africa's Development is essential material for scholars and students of development, environmental law, international economic law and dispute resolution, as well as any international investor in natural resources.

Since it achieved independence in 1957, the West African state of Ghana has become the torchbearer of African liberation, as well as a laboratory for the study of endemic problems facing the African continent. In terms of democratic consolidation, the country holds a unique position on the continent as beacon of stability and democracy. Politics, Governance, and Development in Ghana takes critical stock of the landmark themes that have dominated its history since independence. The contributors address issues such as citizenship, civil society, the military, politicians, chiefs, transnational actors, the public sector and policies, the executive branch, decentralization, the economy, electoral politics, natural resources, and relations with Asia and the diaspora. These themes support “mobilizing for Ghana’s future,” which is the theme for the diamond jubilee celebration of Ghana’s independence. Edited by Joseph R.A. Ayee, this book will deepen the literature on studies on Ghana especially in the areas of politics, governance, economy and development; serve as a resource for academics, students, practitioners; and commemorate the diamond jubilee celebration of Ghana’s independence.

Public Administration and Information Technology provides a foundational overview of the impact of information technology (IT) on modern public organizations. The focus is on what public managers need to know about managing IT to create more efficient, effective, and transparent organizations. This book is unique in that it provides a concise introduction to the subject area and leaves students with a broad perspective on the most important issues. Other books in the field either examine e-government, or are large reference volumes that are not easily accessible to most students. This textbook shows the practical application of IT to the most important areas of public administration. Public Administration and Information Technology is ideal for use in traditional public administration courses on IT as well as management information systems courses in schools of business. Divided into 3 parts, the book covers: - Public Organizations and Information Technology I- nformation Technology, Evaluation, and Resource Management - Emerging Issues in for Public Managers

CMJ New Music Report is the primary source for exclusive charts of non-commercial and college radio airplay and independent and trend-forward retail sales. CMJ's trade publication, compiles playlists for college and non-commercial stations; often a prelude to larger success.