Relationship
Ways to grow before entering into a new relationship

If you happen to be single and ready to mingle, you are bound to have so much romantic energy inside of you; and this is the kind of energy that is just longing to be released onto another person. There is so much love inside of you and you want to do whatever you can to find that one person with whom you can share that love. Yes. That’s normal. After all, there is no feeling that matches that of falling in love with someone. And truthfully, humans are already predisposed to channelling their love into something real and productive. We all need to be able to find an outlet for our love and passion. It’s part of what makes life worthwhile. However, we must also realise that we can’t rush love. We can’t force love to manifest itself in our lives whenever we want.
Be patient
You must always learn to be more accepting of what fate has planned for us. And as difficult as it might be, considering that you are feeling so restless at this point, you need to stay strong. You need to continue being patient. And perhaps, in the meantime, you can take the opportunity to just focus all of your energies on becoming a better person overall.
Be focused
When you are single, you are given the grand opportunity and freedom to grow as an individual outside of a relationship. You get the chance to really focus on yourself and your own strengths and weaknesses. You get the chance to really commit to building yourself up to be the person you’ve always envisioned yourself to be and you can do so selfishly without having to think about anyone else for the moment.
Be responsible
You need to be able to take responsibility for everything that took place in that relationship for you to grow from it. It’s not really about shaming yourself or finding something to make you feel bad about; far from it. This is about pointing out potential points of weakness and working on them until you’re no longer vulnerable in those aspects any longer. It’s about really owning up to every single aspect of who you are whether good or bad. It’s about owning up to what you did right and what you did wrong and learning from these things to ensure that you have a bright future ahead of you. One way that you can look at being critical of yourself in your failed relationships is by seeing it as a form of self-love and self-care. You are making sure that you are building up the parts of yourself that can be improved upon. It’s always great when you can spot out your vulnerabilities and insecurities and use these as starting points for your road to growth.
Relationship
HIV Infection: Health Director Cautions Adolescents and Couples Against Unhealthy Sexual Behaviours
Mr. George Agyemang, the Acting Wenchi Municipal Director of Health in the Bono Region, has cautioned adolescents to refrain from engaging in unprotected sex and having multiple sexual partners.
He said HIV infection was recording alarming figures in the municipality and urged couples to remain faithful and avoid extra-marital affairs to protect themselves against new HIV infections.
Mr. Agyemang gave the advice while speaking at the 2026 review meeting of the directorate at Wenchi on the theme: “Stakeholder’s Engagement and Efforts in Achieving Universal Health Coverage.”
He revealed that the municipality currently has 2,153 persons living with HIV and AIDS, with the HIV and AIDS prevalence standing at 2.5 per cent, ranking it the second highest in the Bono Region.
Mr. Agyemang further indicated that HIV infections do not discriminate, noting that people who engage in promiscuous lifestyles expose themselves to the virus. He urged those who could not control their sexual desires to always use condoms.
By GNA
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Relationship
Beyond the Diagnosis: Empowering Parents of Special Children in 2026

As a parent, receiving news that your child has special needs can be overwhelming. The journey ahead may seem daunting, but with the right support and strategies, you can help your child thrive.
According to Dr. Bruce F. Pennington, a renowned psychologist and expert in developmental psychopathology, “Parents are the most important agents of change for children with developmental disabilities” (Pennington, 2009). This emphasises the crucial role parents play in shaping their child’s future.
Every child is unique, and special needs come in many forms. Whether your child is on the autism spectrum, has ADHD, or another condition, understanding their individual strengths and challenges is crucial. Research suggests that parents who focus on their child’s strengths and abilities tend to experience better outcomes and higher levels of well-being (Hastings & Taft, 2015). Take time to learn about their diagnosis, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions and advocate for your child’s needs.
Embracing the Journey: Understanding Your Child’s Unique Path
Establishing routines and structures can help your child feel more secure. Break tasks into smaller, manageable steps, and use visual aids to communicate.
A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that children with autism who followed a structured routine experienced reduced anxiety and improved social interactions (Gioia et al., 2018).
Do not be afraid to seek professional help from Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC) when needed, whether it is occupational therapy, speech therapy, or counselling.
Building a Support Network: You Are Not Alone
Parenting a special child can be isolating, but it does not have to be. Reach out to support groups, online communities, CPAC, and local organisations that cater to families with special needs. These networks can provide emotional support, practical advice, and valuable resources.
Dr. Jan Blustein, a leading expert on family support and autism, notes that “social support is a critical component of family well-being” (Blustein, 2012).
Practical Strategies: Navigating Daily Challenges with Ease
Focus on your child’s strengths and abilities, and encourage them to pursue their passions. This positive approach will help build confidence and self-esteem. Celebrate their achievements, no matter how small, and acknowledge their efforts. By doing so, you will create a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development.
Celebrating Progress: Focusing on Your Child’s Strengths
As you embark on this journey with your special child, remember that you’re not alone. Seek support, prioritise self-care, and focus on your child’s strengths. With love, patience, and the right resources, you can help your child thrive.
To be continued…
Source: Rev. Counselor Prince Offei and Counselor Blessing Offei’s insights on relationships, mental health, and parenting special needs children in Ghana. He is a leading mental health professional, lecturer, renowned author, and marriage counsellor at Counselor Prince & Associates Consult (CPAC Counsellor Training Institute).
He is the author of several books, including “Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage” and “A Counsellor’s Guide to Using ‘Preparing for a Happy and Fulfilling Marriage’ Effectively.”
By Rev. Counselor Prince Offei & Counselor Blessing Offei
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