On Tuesday, March 14th, Umaru Sanda Amadu, the host of Eyewitness News on Citi FM and Face to Face on Citi TV, was recognized by the Government of Ghana for his outstanding contribution to the fight against COVID-19.
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At a ceremony held at the Accra International Conference Centre, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presented Sanda with a certificate of Presidential Honour for Distinguished Service.
The certificate recognized Sanda’s technical and administrative support to the Ghana COVID-19 Private Sector Fund in the construction of the Ghana Infectious Disease Center (GIDC) at the Ga East Hospital. The GIDC is a 100-bed capacity facility and the country’s first infectious disease center, built in a record time of 100 days due to the urgent need for such a facility in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Sanda was also the first journalist to report from a COVID-19 treatment center at the Ga East Hospital, where the GIDC was later constructed. His contribution was deemed exceptional and appreciated by the state, as inscribed on the certificate: “Your contribution will always be remembered.”
Thousands of other Ghanaians were also recognized and awarded various honours at the National Honours and Awards 2023, including the Order of The Volta. The COVID-19 Private Sector Fund had sponsorship from private individuals and organizations who donated towards the construction of the GIDC.
The ceremony was attended by Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, Chief Justice Kwesi Anin Yeboah, Inspector General of Police George Akufo Dampare, and other government officials and state functionaries.
President Akufo-Addo expressed gratitude to all those who contributed to Ghana’s success in fighting against COVID-19, including researchers, scientists, advisors, public health managers, frontline healthcare workers, hospital staff, contact tracers, security services, public and private sector agencies, faith-based organizations, and international partners.
In conclusion, Umaru Sanda Amadu’s recognition by the government is a testament to the significant role of the media in combating the pandemic. It also highlights the importance of collaboration between the private sector, civil society, and the government in addressing public health challenges.
