The Public Relation Officer for National Population Council, Solace Esi Amankwah says most media houses are more interested in political programmes rather than promoting adolescent health issues on their channels.
She said this on “Women voices” which was aired on GTV. She stated that education on adolescent health issues are very important for every adolescent individual out there. This is because it will enable the young individuals to make certain decisions like unwanted pregnancies, STI’s or STD’s but most media houses show little interest in educating the young individuals.
The topic for discussion was, “Media support in promoting adolescent reproductive health issues.”
“On daily basis, the media set the agenda for political discussion from morning to dawn. Little attention is given to adolescent health issues in the media space.” She said
Mrs. Solace also blamed parents and the society at large for viewing sex education as a taboo. She therefore encouraged parents to sit their children down and talk to them about adolescent health issues and how they can basically protect themselves.
Abdul Hayi Momeen, of Ghana Broadcasting Cooperation, who was one of the panelists, stated that it is not the fault of the media rather they feed their audience based on what they prefer.
He added that “if everyone were to tune out politics and tune in to listen to those programmes that has to do with adolescent issues, the media would have changed their programming, rather the individuals are more interested in politics and telenovelas more than finding solutions to such issues.”
Story filed by Priscilla Ntim Adomaa
