Citation: Mohammed Fugu is a Regional Editor of the Graphic Newspaper in Ghana— a passionate and dedicated journalist with a proven track record of shaping society and championing development and positive change through journalistic work.
He is highly experienced in feature writing, documentary production, and reporting, with a special focus on development issues.
A Master of Philosophy in Development Communication from SD Dombo University of Business and Integrated Development Studies, as well as a Bachelor of Technology in Media Communication Studies from Tamale Technical University, he is also skilled in multimedia journalism, media training, and computer literacy.
What makes Mohammed Fugu recognised today is his feature story titled “The Silent Epidemic: Extreme Heat Fuels Meningitis — Upper West Region Worst Affected.”
The story highlights epidemic diseases in Northern Ghana, particularly in the Upper West Region during the hottest month of every year, fuelled by extreme heat and harmattan winds, recording high fatalities.
This year, the scourge prompted the country’s Minister of Health to not only appear in Parliament but also visit the region along with the Speaker to find ways to manage the situation, while other stakeholders discussed strategies to contain the illness.
What drew Fugu’s attention was the loss of children and relatives in such sudden and devastating circumstances, which reinforced the urgency of bringing the issue to the fore.
The pathetic case of a little boy—whose mother initially thought he was only experiencing the usual afternoon warm temperature but later developed a severe headache and neck stiffness was highlighted.
By nightfall, the child’s condition worsened. He was rushed to the hospital, but doctors said it was too late, and he succumbed to the illness.
Although authorities attributed increased mortality rates to late reporting by patients who often arrived in critical condition, Fugu discovered that vaccines for the strain of the disease were unavailable, prompting the need for authorities to educate the public on preventive measures.
According to the reporter, Ghana—which is bearing the brunt of extreme heat and its impact on health, livelihoods, and the economy—has no standalone policy specifically targeting extreme-heat reduction.
A signatory to the 1.5-degree Celsius global-warming limit under the Paris Agreement on climate change (2015), the situation stresses the need for Ghana to intensify efforts to limit temperature rise, which experts say would reduce the frequency and intensity of heatwaves.
The tragic story of the child and many others highlighted the devastating impact of meningitis and called for enhanced public awareness, timely access to medical care, and improved prevention strategies.
By building his story around the child, Fugu has reawakened the consciousness of stakeholders in Ghana to address meningitis, a recurring challenge in the Upper West Region.
A recipient of many awards—including National Best Inclusive and Anti-Conflict Reporter (Africa-European Union 2023 and 2024), and Journalist of the Year (Northern, North East, and Savannah Regions) several times—Fugu adds another feather as First Runner-Up (Print Category) in the 2025 AMDF Journalist of the Year Contest. Congratulations.
