Rhetoric in a Crisis Age: An Analysis of Selected COVID-19 Speeches of Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo

Kweku Rockson; Edward Owusu; Asuamah Adade-Yeboah

doi:10.53103/cjess.v5i6.429

Authors

Kweku Rockson Wisconsin International University College, Ghana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9998-0621
Edward Owusu Sunyani Technical University, Ghana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6373-9211
Asuamah Adade-Yeboah Christian Service University, Ghana https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8438-9484

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53103/cjess.v5i6.429

Keywords:

Crisis Communication, Crisis Rhetoric, President Akufo-Addo’s COVID-19 Addresses, Rhetorical Theory, Leadership Risky Behaviour

Abstract

This paper aims to explain how former Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo utilized rhetoric within the crisis context during the COVID-19 period. The research questions were: 1. How did the ex-President utilize crisis management techniques to handle the COVID-19 pandemic? 2. How effective were the rhetorical elements and rhetorical devices in managing the COVID-19 pandemic? From a crisis rhetoric perspective, these speeches can be explained by their ability to utilize the attributes of speech and rhetoric to manage a crisis. It is expected that a leader will inspire and offer reassurance during these periods. Two theories underpinned this study: the Situational Crisis Communication Theory (SCCT) and Rhetorical Theory. African Presidential Rhetoric, American Presidential Rhetoric, and Leadership Risky Behaviour provided the appropriate case studies for reviewing the broad area of presidential crisis rhetoric. The research approach involved the rhetorical analysis of four of the addresses, which investigated the effectiveness of the rhetorical elements and devices used to manage the pandemic. This rhetorical analysis of the crisis then examined the meta-linguistic insight primarily through a qualitative approach. This methodological exercise provided an understanding of the rhetoric and its significance, explaining the similarities in the rhetorical patterns. The findings showed that the addresses were: in a narrative mode; the use of the possessive pronoun; repetition of particular words and phrases; use of political jargon and propaganda. The narrative mood also provided the opportunity to examine the speeches from a linguistic and stylistic perspective. In the area of literary devices, there was the use of the aesthetic element, which offered pleasure in oral, visual, and aural terms. The outstanding aspects of the speeches were the arrangement in terms of language, characters, events, settings, and imagery.

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