The District Chief Executive (DCE) for Sekyere Kumawu in the Ashanti Region, Hon. Akwasi Amankwa, popularly known as “Tom C,” has sparked public reaction after reportedly refusing to grant interviews to journalists during the National Sanitation Day exercise held at Bodomase on Saturday.
The exercise, which formed part of the monthly nationwide sanitation initiative aimed at promoting cleanliness and community participation, brought together assembly members, unit committee members, Zoomlion workers, market women, and youth volunteers. Participants cleaned up major streets, gutters, and public places within Bodomase to rid the area of filth and promote environmental hygiene.
However, the event took an unexpected turn when journalists who had arrived to cover the exercise approached the DCE for his remarks and a brief interview on the district’s sanitation efforts. To their surprise, Hon. Amankwa declined, stating bluntly that he was “not ready to talk to the media.”
The DCE’s response reportedly left many of the reporters disappointed, as they had hoped to highlight the district’s progress under the ongoing national sanitation initiative. Some media personnel described his conduct as disrespectful and contrary to the principles of transparency and accountability expected from public officials.
Observers at the scene expressed mixed reactions. While some believed the DCE might have had personal reasons for avoiding the media, others felt his attitude undermined the importance of collaboration between the media and local authorities in promoting good sanitation practices and civic engagement.
Despite the misunderstanding, the exercise was successfully carried out, with several heaps of refuse collected and transported by sanitation workers. The clean-up covered key areas, including the Bodomase market, lorry station, and community drains.
Community leaders and residents commended participants for their commitment and called on local authorities to provide more logistics to sustain the monthly exercise. They also appealed to the DCE and other government officials to maintain open communication with the media, emphasizing that journalists play a crucial role in public education and accountability.
The National Sanitation Day, introduced in 2014, continues to serve as an important initiative to instill a culture of cleanliness and environmental discipline across the country.
Hon. Akwasi Amankwa, popularly known as “Tom C,” has been instrumental in several developmental projects within the Sekyere Kumawu District, but his recent decision to shun media interaction has raised questions about the relationship between local governance and press freedom in the district.
While many residents praised the exercise’s outcome, they also urged all stakeholders — including political leaders, traditional authorities, and the media — to work hand in hand to ensure that the vision of a cleaner and healthier environment is achieved in Sekyere Kumawu and beyond.
