A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis of Ghanaian Political Cartoons. A Focus on the Fight Against ‘Galamsey’

Abstract

Using Kress and Van Leeuwen’s ideas on Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis (MCDA), this research investigates how renowned Ghanaian cartoonists Akosua and Tilapia discursively represent issues related to illegal artisanal gold mining in Ghana popularly known as Galamsey. Galamsey has become a major problem in recent years. It has devastated the environment, causing deforestation, water pollution and destruction of farmlands. The study specifically examines the linguistic and semiotic patterns in the cartoon representations on Galamsey, highlighting the similarities and differences in the representational styles of Akosua and Tilapia. The study also examines the ideological implications of the representational style of the two artists. The artists used features such as humor, satire, rhetorical questions and intertextuality to explain the political and social problems related to galamsey. It was revealed that the artists employ the use of juxtaposition, informal language and other linguistic resources to relay their messages. One difference identified in the presentations was the use of black and white prints by Akosua and colored prints by Tilapia while both artists also use juxtaposition and informal language. This study shows how political cartoons can shape public discussion about galamsey, through socio political critique characterized by a call for moral action against galamsey.