An appraisal study of Ghanaian media's attitude towards Britain on the death and burial of Queen Elizabeth II

Abstract

Considering the recent anti-imperial sentiments that have inspired several agitations in the media landscape of Francophone African countries, the study examines the existence or otherwise of such sentiments in Ghana's media landscape through the media's publications about the death and burial of Queen Elizabeth II. It explores the attitude portrayed by the media through their publications to understand the current political relationship between Ghana and Britain. Using the linguistic Appraisal System's Attitude as a tool for analysis, the study, selecting fifteen print and radio media organisations in Ghana, examines data about the death and burial of the Queen. The study finds that the British monarch and her affiliates are favourably presented in the affect, judgement and appreciation systems of evaluation and considers this presentation as a demonstration of solidarity between the nations. It concludes that Ghana, and by extension, African Anglophone countries, shows less hostility towards the former colonial authority.