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‘Preterm babies aren’t curses’
• Mrs. Mayne-Eghan making a donation
to a mother of a preterm baby
An advocate for preterm babies’ wellness and their survival, Mrs. Naa Kuorkor Mayne-Eghan, Founder of Jay Foundation, has expressed dissatisfaction about the rate at which some mothers and parents abandon from their preterm babies at various health facilities.
The advocate bemoaned that some families in our Ghanaian cultural setting have the misconception that preterm babies are bad omens and a curse to the family; hence, they abandon these little innocent babies in order not to carry them along as curses.
This act, she said, was cruel, inhumane, and primitive because the preterm babies are innocent of whatever complication they may find themselves in.
She explained that preterm babies are those born before the 37th week of pregnancy, and that such babies require special treatment and attention at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to be able to grow normally like full-term babies.
Adding to that, she said some of the treatment for these preterm babies may require more intensive nursery care, medication, and sometimes surgery due to the degree of complications.
Mrs. Mayne-Eghan encouraged preterm mothers not to be anxious and afraid of preterm babies because the situation has nothing to do with spirituality, superstitious beliefs, or a curse as such babies are just going to grow up and be perfectly fit like full-term babies.
“It is about time we eschew negative perceptions and do away with some myths and misconceptions about maternal health and its related health complications,” she stressed.
On her part, there must be enough education for preterm mothers and her family at large in order to prevent the worrying phenomenon where families and mothers abandon preterm babies because it has nothing to do with traditional or cultural affiliations but rather a medical condition.
The founder of the Jay Foundation called on stakeholders in the health sector to shift attention to neonatal healthcare because these preterm babies are the future leaders who would rule the affairs of the nation.
“The death of a baby should not be as a result of negligence or due to the unavailability of medical equipment, electricity, or space because the babies did not ask to be born into such troubling situations,” she passionately underscored.
According to her, the Jay Foundation, a non-governmental organisation has devoted its mandate to ensuring that pre-mature babies survive in Ghana by ensuring their mothers are happy and the neonatal intensive care units are equipped to ensure that the babies thrive.
Highlighting the success story of the Jay Foundation, the Founder said since its inception in 2019, it has made donations of more than GH¢300,000 to NICUs (neonatal intensive care units) in 10 hospitals and medical facilities in the country to support preterm babies, their mothers, and staff of the hospitals.
Tema General Hospital, Nsawam, Korle Bu, ShaiOsudoku, Keta Hospitals, Battor Catholic, Wenchi Hospital,
Bamboi Polyclinic, Banda District Hospital, and Jama Polyclinic are among the facilities she mentioned.
“Items donated included digital thermometers, digital weighing scales, suction machines, pulse oximeters, nasal prongs, baby cots, cot sheets, bedsheets, drip stands, kangaroo mother care clothes, baby wipes, napkins, sanitisers, baby clothing, and cleaning materials, among others,” the advocate mentioned.
Mrs. Mayne-Eghan observed that, in Ghana, most preterm babies do not get adequate care due to lack of space, facilities, and essentials needed to evade infection, which cause death.
She reiterated her commitment with her indefatigable team members at the Jay Foundation to continually aim at reducing the high mortality rate of neonates and maternal mortality in the short term.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
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Is the “Rev” title biblical?
In many Ghanaian churches, pastors are often introduced as “Reverend” or simply “Rev.”
The title is seen as a mark of respect, yet its biblical basis continues to stir debate.
While some Christians argue that it is a harmless way to honour church leaders, others insist it is unbiblical and should not be used at all.
Those who question the title usually point to the Bible itself. Nowhere in Scripture did Jesus or the apostles use “Reverend” for themselves or for one another.
Instead, they addressed each other as “brother” or “servant.” In Matthew 23, Jesus even warned his followers not to seek titles such as “rabbi” or “father,” teaching that all believers are equal under one God.
Critics also note that Psalm 111:9 describes God’s name alone as “holy and reverend” in the King James Bible.
To them, this means the word should be reserved for God, not for human beings. Others go further, citing Job 32, which cautions against giving flattering titles to men.
For such voices, the modern use of “Reverend” risks elevating pastors beyond what the Bible prescribes.
On the other hand, defenders of the title argue that it is not meant to replace God’s reverence but simply to acknowledge a minister’s role.
In many churches, “Reverend” is given to ordained ministers who have undergone training, much like the way a doctor is addressed as “Dr.”
The Bible itself, they point out, encourages believers to honour their leaders, with 1 Timothy 5:17 stating that elders who direct the affairs of the church well are “worthy of double honour.”
In this sense, the title is seen as a formal courtesy rather than a theological statement.
Supporters remind critics that Christianity does not operate in a vacuum but within cultural settings.
In Ghanaian society, respect for elders and authority is central to social order. Just as chiefs are addressed with titles such as “Nana” or “Togbe,” many Christians believe it is fitting to extend a similar courtesy to church leaders.
In their view, calling a pastor “Reverend” reflects Ghanaian values of honour and respect, and does not amount to worshipping a human being.
Yet the debate is far from settled. Some argue that the title has been abused, with individuals presenting themselves as “Reverend” without any proper training or accountability.
Calls have even been made for the regulation of church titles to prevent confusion and protect the credibility of ministry. Others, however, see no harm in its continued use, so long as it is not taken beyond what Scripture allows.
At the heart of the matter lies a bigger question: should Christians stick strictly to biblical language when addressing their leaders, or is it acceptable to adapt titles as society evolves?
The conversation is not just theological but cultural, touching on how Ghana balances respect for tradition with the authority of Scripture.
The debate over the “Rev” title is therefore not one with easy answers. What is clear, however, is that it forces us to reflect on how we show honour, how we interpret the Bible, and how faith interacts with our cultural practices.
As the discussion continues in church pews and on social platforms, we ask you: should pastors and ministers be called “Reverend,” or should Christians abandon the title altogether?
By: Jacob Aggrey
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Police confirm arrest of two suspects in Asankrangwa murder case
The Western Central Regional Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two men in connection with the fatal stabbing of a 20-year-old man at the Asankrangwa Education Area on Sunday, August 17, 2025.
In a statement signed by the Head of the Public Affairs Unit, ASP Beatrice Turkson, the police said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased was chased and stabbed multiple times by a group of people.
The incident is believed to have stemmed from a misunderstanding between the deceased and one of the suspects, identified as 36-year-old Kwasi Opong.
According to the police, swift action led to the arrest of Opong and another suspect, 23-year-old William Francis Osei. Both are currently in custody assisting with investigations, while efforts are underway to apprehend another suspect who is still on the run.
The police noted that the body of the deceased has been deposited at the Asankrangwa Catholic Hospital morgue for preservation and autopsy.
“The Command assures the public that all persons connected to this heinous crime will be brought to justice,” the statement said.
The police appealed to the public to provide any information that could assist in the ongoing investigations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
