National Sanitation Day: DCE Akwasi Amankwa ‘Tom C’ Draws Criticism for Shunning Press Interview
The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sekyere Kumawu in the Ashanti Region, Hon. Akwasi Amankwa, popularly known as Tom C, has come under public criticism after refusing to grant interviews to journalists during the National Sanitation Day exercise held at Bodomase on Saturday.
The monthly National Sanitation Day exercise, which encourages communities to take responsibility for their environment, saw active participation from assembly members, unit committee representatives, market women, Zoomlion Ghana Limited workers, and residents who came out in their numbers to clean gutters, desilt drains, and sweep public spaces across Bodomase.
However, the event took an unexpected twist when journalists covering the activity approached the DCE for comments on the district’s sanitation performance and the government’s continuous commitment to promoting environmental cleanliness. To their surprise, Hon. Amankwa flatly declined to speak, stating that he was “not ready to talk to the media.”
The incident left members of the press visibly disappointed, as many had anticipated a briefing that would highlight the district’s achievements, challenges, and future sanitation plans. Some journalists and observers interpreted the DCE’s reaction as disrespectful to the media and inconsistent with the principles of public transparency and accountability.
Several residents at the event also expressed concern over the development, noting that the media plays a crucial role in shaping public understanding and encouraging participation in national programs like the sanitation day. A community elder, speaking anonymously, said, “We expect our leaders to work closely with the media. When they talk to the press, it helps us know what’s going on in the district.”
Despite the controversy, the clean-up exercise was largely successful. Volunteers, including youth groups and local traders, worked tirelessly to tidy up major areas such as the Bodomase Market, lorry station, and surrounding neighborhoods. Piles of refuse were gathered and disposed of with assistance from sanitation contractors and waste management trucks.
Zoomlion staff on-site commended the residents for their enthusiasm and urged continuous community involvement in sanitation efforts. They also emphasized the need for district authorities to maintain strong collaboration with the media to help spread awareness and encourage regular community participation.
The incident has since sparked conversations among locals and civil society observers, who have urged public officeholders to embrace media engagement as a vital tool for promoting accountability and public education.
Introduced in 2014, the National Sanitation Day initiative continues to serve as a national call to action, encouraging citizens to take collective responsibility for their environment and reduce the spread of sanitation-related diseases.
Though Hon. Akwasi Amankwa, affectionately called Tom C, has been recognized for his role in spearheading several developmental projects in Sekyere Kumawu, his recent decision to shun the press during a public exercise has drawn criticism from various quarters. Many are calling on him to rebuild relations with the media, which remains an essential partner in community development and good governance.
Residents and participants concluded the exercise with renewed calls for unity, transparency, and continuous collaboration among local authorities, the media, and citizens — key ingredients needed to achieve a cleaner, healthier, and more progressive Sekyere Kumawu District.
