The Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Mr. Kofi Adu Domfeh, has called for stronger collaboration between the media and research institutions to promote sustainable development.
Speaking at the Faculty of Renewable Natural Resources (FRNR) Seminar Series at the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, KNUST, Mr. Domfeh stressed that effective partnership between journalists and researchers is key to translating research outputs into practical knowledge that informs public decision-making.
He noted that one of the major challenges has been how research findings are communicated to the general public.
“One of the cardinal challenges we’ve had is how we communicate research activities for the ordinary person to appreciate what researchers usually put on the shelves,” he said.
Mr. Domfeh highlighted the growing impact of climate change, coupled with the unsustainable exploitation of natural resources, warning that it continues to threaten livelihoods, ecosystems, and national development.
“Every facet of life is one way or the other affected by climate change,” he said, citing examples such as the rapid deterioration of road infrastructure in Oforikrom after resurfacing works.
He also raised concerns about environmental issues including plastic pollution, electronic waste, and illegal mining, describing them as major threats to sustainability.
According to him, the pursuit of wealth without environmental responsibility is worsening ecological damage.
“There is no day that we don’t have reports about the adverse impacts of illegal mining and how our water bodies and forest reserves are being adversely hit,” he noted.
Mr. Domfeh further emphasized that while civil society groups, young people, and businesses are contributing to environmental protection efforts, the media remains central in driving awareness and action.
“The media cannot overlook the fact that we have a critical role to play because, if for nothing at all, the media is also part of the ecosystem,” he said, adding that journalists must simplify scientific information and help make environmental issues more accessible to the public.
The seminar featured interactive discussions, with faculty members contributing insights on the role of the media in sustainability communication.
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