Prof Francis B. Zottor, a renowned nutritionist and lecturer at the Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health, University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho, Volta Region, has called on media professionals to play a more active role in educating the public on nutrition and healthy living practices.

He made this call during a two-day training workshop organised for journalists from the Volta and Oti Regions, focused on promoting awareness and knowledge about nutrition, health, and sustainable agri-food systems.

Prof Zottor emphasised the media held the power to influence public opinion and shape behaviours. He said the media had to report more effectively on issues concerning health and nutrition. He noted poor nutrition and unhealthy lifestyles were key contributors to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases in Ghana and across the world.

“The media is a powerful vehicle for change. It is crucial that journalists use their platforms to inform the public about healthy diets, the importance of proper nutrition, and the impact of food systems on our health and the environment,” Prof Zottor stated.

He further encouraged media practitioners to seek expert information and present it in engaging and accessible ways, especially in local languages, to ensure messages about healthy living reached all segments of society.

The workshop aimed to equip journalists with knowledge and tools necessary to report accurately on health and nutrition issues, so they could contribute meaningfully to the national agenda of achieving sustainable food systems and improved public health.

Participants commended the initiative and pledged to intensify their coverage of health-related topics, particularly those that impact nutrition and sustainable agriculture in their communities.