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Smoking, alcohol intake can delay conception – Specialist
● Dr. Karen Amaniampong educating the participants about
good health practices and vaginal health
Dr. Karen Amaniampong, an obstetrician and gynaecologist with Jubail Specialist Hospital at Sakumono-Accra, has highlighted the need for women to pay critical attention to their health during gestation and beyond.
She exclusively told The Spectator that pregnant mothers must eschew harmful lifestyles, including smoking and alcohol consumption, which are very dangerous to a woman’s health because even a little alcohol can delay conception.
The fertility specialist added that there was no safe limit for smoking, and if one is trying to have a baby, it is important to quit smoking at least three months before you start trying for a baby.
According to the specialist, smokers are more likely to have a miscarriage, a low birth weight baby, or a premature baby with birth defects, and being with a partner or in a household where someone smokes could be detrimental to a pregnancy.
The specialist indicated that, it was imperative to have conversations about women’s health and wellness to enhance productivity and their fertility levels as a means of improving their general well-being.
During the “Bump, Birth, and Beyond” health seminar held recently at the Jubail Specialist Hospital at Sakumonno in Accra, participants were taken through important tips to note at every stage of their lives in order to avoid health complications.
Dr. Amaniampong, in her presentation, underscored some critical conditions associated with childbirth and some possible solutions to the problem; these include preconception tips, minor disorders in pregnancy, and danger signs during pregnancy.
According to the specialist, every pregnant mother must not compromise with some preconception guidelines, including taking prenatal vitamins like folic acid supplements, which are important for preventing brain and spinal abnormalities in babies.
The specialist recommended that it was good for pregnant mothers to take folate at least one month before pregnancy and also give themselves a boost by taking a multivitamin to bridge any unforeseen gaps.
On her part, starting prenatal care now would help the pregnant mother to correct and avoid any nutritional deficiencies during early pregnancy.
She also advised women to maintain a healthy weight to reduce the risk of pregnancy complications, adding that both men and women should achieve and maintain a healthy body weight before the pregnancy.
She revealed that weight extremes are determinants in childbirth, where both overweight and underweight pose problems.
“Maternal overweight increases the risk for diabetes as well as hypertension in pregnancy, while maternal underweight is associated with preterm birth and intrauterine growth restriction.”
Stressing some minor disorders in pregnancy, Dr. Amaniampong said during pregnancy, a woman’s body changes in many ways, and these changes could sometimes be uncomfortable, but most of the time they are normal and could occur at any time during the pregnancy.
Touching on some of the common minor disorders of pregnancy and ways to overcome them, the specialist mentioned nausea, vomiting, and hyperemesis gravidarum as some of the conditions.
“Many women have nausea and vomiting in the first trimester, which is the first three months of pregnancy; this is often called morning sickness, but nausea can be there for some time, and that comes with excessive salivation,” the specialist indicated.
To manage nausea, the medical expert recommended that, before bed or at night, a pregnant mother should eat food that contains protein, such as beans and nuts.
She added that mild nausea could be managed by eating a few bananas, dry bread, or other dry grain foods upon waking up in the morning, eating many small meals instead of two or three larger ones, and taking small sips of liquid often.
The doctor prescribed that nausea could be managed by drinking a cup of mint, cinnamon, or ginger tea two or three times a day, before meals.
“Put a teaspoon of mint leaves or a stick of cinnamon in a cup of boiling water and let the tea sit for a few minutes before drinking it; to make ginger tea, boil crushed or sliced ginger root in water for at least 15 minutes,” she prescribed.
Another serious disorder known as hyperemesis gravidarum, for which the woman needs to be admitted to the hospital for medical attention, is a disorder that comes with excessive vomiting, weight loss, and dehydration.
The obstetrician and gynaecologist said headaches are common in pregnancy, but are usually harmless, and this condition may stop if the woman rests and relaxes more, drinks more juice or water, or gently massages her temples.
To relieve a headache, she advised a pregnant woman to take two paracetamol tablets with a glass of water every now and then.
Dr. Amaniampong said headaches that occur late in pregnancy may be a warning sign of pre-eclampsia, especially if there is also high blood pressure, or swelling of the face or hands.
She explained that pre-eclampsia is a disease of pregnancy that is marked by high blood pressure and protein in the urine after the 20th week of pregnancy.
In managing the aforementioned conditions, the specialist recommended drinking enough water while getting enough rest as a conducive practice for the period.
The medical expert observed that skin changes like dark spots or patches on the skin called melasma, acne, pimples, and stretch marks are sometimes due to changes in hormone levels that happen during pregnancy.
According to her, these dark spots and melasma skin changes usually fade on their own after you give birth, and she admonished that if you are unsure about any of the things mentioned above, seek medical attention.
Dr. Amaniampong observed that most expectant mothers experience an uneventful pregnancy, adding that, there are certain dangers associated with pregnancy that could result in health complications for both the expectant mother and the baby.
She outlined that, vaginal bleeding, fever, constant nausea, and vomiting that may be encountered during any stage of the pregnancy must be reported to a specialist immediately.
Other signs she noted include leaking fluid from the vagina, little or no foetal movement, contractions, vaginal discharge, and itching, all of which are very alarming and should be treated immediately by seeking medical attention.
According to the specialist, pregnant women who experience persistent severe headaches and blurred vision should seek medical attention immediately because these symptoms could be a sign of pre-eclampsia, which can lead to seizures and even stroke if left untreated.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
Ghana’s Finance Minister, Cassiel Ato Forson, says he and his deputy have publicly filed their annual tax returns to demonstrate leadership and encourage compliance among citizens.
In a facebook post, he explained that the move was meant to show that public officials must lead by example when it comes to fulfilling civic duties.
“Leadership must be demonstrated, not declared,” he said.
He commended Ghanaian taxpayers for their continued contribution to national development, noting that tax compliance plays a key role in sustaining government activities.
According to him, paying taxes is both a legal and moral responsibility. He stressed that all citizens, including public officials, professionals, and businesses, are equal before the law and must meet their tax obligations.
He added that tax revenue is essential for funding key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
The minister praised the Ghana Revenue Authority for its work, especially during the ongoing Tax and Good Governance Month in April. He said the initiative helps to educate the public and promote voluntary compliance.
He urged the authority to intensify public education and continue reforms aimed at simplifying tax processes, reducing compliance costs, and improving transparency.
He further encouraged individuals and businesses that are yet to file their returns to do so promptly, adding that support systems and digital platforms are available to assist them.
He said building a strong tax culture would strengthen the country’s economy, improve accountability, and promote fairness in society.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Ghana Tourism Development Company Limited (GTD) in collaboration with the Department of Organisation and Human Resource Management, University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) has marked the 2026 World Safety Day Celebration in Accra.
The event held on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at the Cedi Conference Centre, Legon was under the theme “Good Psychosocial Working Environment: A Pathway to Thriving Workers and Strong Organizations.”
The day is observed globally to promote safe and healthy working conditions and to raise awareness about both physical and psychological risks at the workplace.
The event formed part of efforts by stakeholders to deepen national conversations on workplace safety, particularly the growing concern about psychosocial well being.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment, Dr Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo stressed that workers must not be treated as machines but as human beings with dignity, rights and families.
He explained that unsafe work environments marked by fear, harassment, intimidation and excessive pressure reduce productivity and weaken organisations.
He noted that although physical hazards such as faulty equipment and unsafe buildings remain a concern, psychological risks including excessive workload, bullying, job insecurity and toxic communication are equally dangerous and must be addressed.
According to him, psychological hazards are real, measurable and preventable, and should be treated with the same urgency as physical risks.
He maintained that safe and healthy working conditions are not a luxury but a fundamental right that supports productivity and social justice.
Dr Pelpuo further stated that the government remains committed to strengthening occupational safety and health systems, adding that worker wellbeing is a core responsibility of leadership and not a public relations issue.
He urged employers to create environments where dignity is protected, and workers are empowered to speak without fear.
The Dean of University of Ghana Business School, Prof Ernest Y Tweneboah Koduah noted that the school is committed to shaping a better world of work that is equitable, productive and sustainable.
He announced that the school has secured accreditation from the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission to introduce a programme in organisational health and safety.
He explained that gaps in workplace safety in Ghana are linked to weak enforcement, underreporting and limited professional training.
He added that the new programme will equip graduates with the skills to prioritise employee wellbeing as a key organisational responsibility.
Prof Tweneboah Koduah urged organisations to assess psychosocial risks, invest in human resource capacity and create environments where workers can openly discuss mental health concerns.
He emphasised that collaboration between academia and industry is essential to addressing workplace safety challenges.
Delivering remarks on behalf of the Vice Chancellor, the Registrar of the University of Ghana, Emelia Naa Kwantsua Agyei Mensah described the event as historic, noting that it is the first time the university is marking the global observance.
She explained that the focus on psychosocial wellbeing reflects current realities in the world of work.
She stated that employee health, including mental and emotional wellbeing, directly affects productivity, morale and institutional performance.
Mrs Agyei Mensah added that the university is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for staff and students, beyond minimum legal requirements.
She called on leaders to reflect on the kind of workplaces they create and to prioritise the wellbeing of employees.
CEO of the GTDC, Prof Kobby on his part noted that its participation aligns with its commitment under the Riyadh Declaration, which calls on member states to improve infrastructure and public safety, as well as enhance services, transport, connectivity and accessibility.
He indicated that the company intends to use the platform to highlight Ghana’s readiness to implement the declaration, with a strong focus on worker safety and wellbeing as a foundation for sustainable tourism development.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, industry players and students to discuss strategies for improving workplace safety and promoting healthier work environments across the country.
By: Jacob Aggrey
