Content Analysis of Ghana News Agency (GNA) Reportage on Sanitation in the Tema Metropolitan Area

Abstract

This study presents a quantitative content analysis of online news report by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on sanitation in the Tema Metropolitan area. Though it is widely held that sanitation affects public health and other sectors of human life, more is yet to be known as to how the media reports on sanitation issues and how that can aid in addressing the situation. Therefore, adequate awareness has to be made to determine the role the media play in ensuring and maintaining a healthy environment. The main objective of this study was to find out how the Ghana News Agency (GNA) report on sanitation issues in the Tema Metropolitan area. The findings of the study were that the frequency of news stories on sanitation in the area makes it necessary for the appropriate agencies to find solution to the problem. Another finding was that understanding the current sanitation situation and the factors that contribute to the problem also helps to educate people on how to improve upon sanitation in their communities. It was recommended that, in view of the importance of good sanitation practice, further study should be done to determine the contribution of the media, especially social media, in improving the sanitation situation in the country.