Hohoe: Professor Frank Baiden, the Dean of Fred Newton Binka School of Public Health of the University of Health, and Allied Science (UHAS-FNBSPH) at Hohoe, has urged the media to champion and serve as ambassadors to educate the public on nutrition and healthy living. He highlighted the importance of awareness creation about dietary choices, nutritional values of foods, and regular exercise to combat health issues such as hypertension and obesity.
According to Ghana News Agency, Professor Baiden, who also serves as the Principal Investigator of UHAS-FNBSHP- 'NKAMBO' Mastercard Project, emphasized the need for media involvement during a capacity-building workshop for journalists in Oti and Volta. The workshop, held at Hohoe S5 Hotel, focused on agribusiness and entrepreneurship as part of the Nutrition and Sustainable Agri-Food System Project.
Professor Baiden pointed out the alarming statistic that about 40 percent of the Ghanaian population lives with hypertension, often without their knowledge. He stressed the urgency of addressing this issue before it escalates. The 10-year transformative project by UHAS-FNBSHP NKAMBO aims to tackle challenges within the agri-food and nutritional system and create sustainable jobs for approximately three million Ghanaians through innovative entrepreneurship by 2030.
The institution's goal is to secure long-term funding for programs that could significantly impact the school's 12-year history. Professor Baiden encouraged journalists to take on the challenge of raising public awareness about these projects. He further explained that 'NKAMBO' signifies togetherness and urged journalists to leverage this concept to create deeper awareness and education among stakeholders, associations, and farmers.
Professor Baiden also addressed the university's objectives of tackling graduate unemployment and highlighted the challenges faced by FNBSPH, including inadequate classroom facilities. With the support of NKABOM projects, the school aims to diversify its course portfolio, emphasizing nutrition and entrepreneurship for students' benefit.
He appealed to journalists to use their influence to draw attention to stakeholders, philanthropists, corporate organizations, and the government for support in completing the unfinished classroom structures at the school's permanent site in Fodome, Hohoe Municipality.
The workshop featured facilitators such as Professor Francis Zotor, Ms. Roseline Ashigbui, Mr. Glover Nutifafa, Mr. Selorm Odjoh-Anyomi, and Dr. Charity Binka. Journalists participated in activities covering entrepreneurship, climate-smart agriculture, and the linkages between agriculture, nutrition, and health.
Some journalists expressed satisfaction with the workshop and committed to serving as ambassadors to educate the public on nutrition and related issues.