The Vice Chairman of the Upper East Regional Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Joshua Asaah, has called on journalists to go beyond highlighting sanitation problems and use their platforms to push for solutions and hold responsible authorities accountable.
Mr. Asaah, who is also News Editor at A1 Radio, said the media has an important role in drawing attention to sanitation challenges in communities and ensuring that issues raised through reporting receive the necessary response.
Speaking on Bolga FM’s News@11, he highlighted inadequate access to water, particularly in health facilities, as one issue that deserves sustained media attention.
He explained that reliable water supply is essential for health workers to maintain hygienic environments and provide appropriate care to patients. He cited childbirth as an example, noting that water is required to clean mothers, newborns and their surroundings.
Mr. Asaah said journalists should identify such challenges confronting health facilities, bring them to public attention and follow up on what authorities are doing to address them.
He also pointed to sanitation problems within communities, including choked gutters, indiscriminate waste disposal and unhygienic surroundings, and called for greater public education on responsible sanitation practices.
Mr. Asaah said the media can use radio, television and online platforms not only to educate residents but also to provide communities with opportunities to raise sanitation concerns and demand responses from duty bearers.
He stressed that sanitation reporting should go beyond headlines and contribute to practical action towards improving conditions in communities.
His comments come as the Upper East Regional GJA prepares for its 5th Regional Awards on October 2, 2026, under the theme, “Beyond the Headlines: The Media’s Role in Promoting WASH for Safe Motherhood and Quality Healthcare.”
A1 Radio | 101.1 MHz | Moses Anaba Azubire | Bolgatanga
