News
Self-medication causes more harm than good — Medical Specialist
Dr Edna Mark Addy, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Med Health Centres at Ablekuma Joma,in the Greater Accra Region has cautioned individuals who usually rely on “self medication” to avoid the act, because it has an adverse effect on their health.
According to her, “self-medication is creating more harm than good, in a sense that, it rather worsens one’s ill-health instead of treating or curing the disease.”
She stated that the perceived illness or disease may actually not be the exact diagnosis but rather, a whole different health problem which has absolutely nothing to do with the self medication treatment process.
She gave the advice in an exclusive interview with “The Spectator” at the opening of the two health facilities at Ablekuma CP and Joma last Saturday.
She stressed that when one began to feel unwell, one should not hesitate to consult a physician for treatment in order to prevent the situation from becoming worse.
The Medical Doctor said that self-medication, would become problematic for treatment when the person finally reached the physician for critical or intensive care.
That, she emphasised, made it difficult for medications that have been administered on the patient by the physician to work effectively and cautioned persons who usually took paracetamol to cure their severe headaches and other perceived illnesses, to put a stop to that dangerous act.
Explaining further, she said“when paracetamol is taken, it breaks down in the liver and persons living with liver diseases or heavy alcohol consumers are at the risk of not staying healthier.”
According to her, one may not know the chemical compositions of the drugs they had taken, which would later turn to worry one’s health, adding that, “the risk of self-medication outweighs its intended benefits.”
Dr Mark Addy assured clients who would visit the new clinics at Ablekuma CP and Joma of best of treatments from seasoned health practitioners who would be attending to their health needs.
“We should be cautious about our diet and always eat healthy foods to keep the body functioning well,” she said.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has held its Fourth Quarter Ministerial Advisory Board Meeting to review progress, discuss key policy matters, and strengthen collaboration towards achieving its strategic goals.
The meeting brought together members of the Advisory Board, which was set up under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), and the Civil Service (Ministerial Advisory Board) Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1961).
The Board serves as a platform for continuous engagement between the Ministry and its stakeholders.
Its role is to advise the sector Minister on policy planning and implementation, while ensuring that programmes on gender, social protection, and child welfare align with national priorities and government development goals.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, commended the Board for its consistent support and technical guidance in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
She noted that the Ministry’s work in promoting gender equality, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring the welfare of children and families depends on strong policies and effective partnerships.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Advisory Board plays an important role in helping the Ministry deliver its mission in a sustainable and impactful way.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the Ministry’s achievements so far this year, followed by discussions on future policy direction and strategic focus areas.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The election took place on October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. His victory places Ghana at the center of continental and global parliamentary diplomacy.
With this new role, Speaker Bagbin will coordinate and harmonize Africa’s collective positions on major IPU decisions and policies.
He will also serve as the continent’s chief representative on key issues such as governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
Speaker Bagbin currently serves as the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) and is the immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his remarks after the election, he thanked African delegations for their confidence and unity, particularly commending Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate in the spirit of cooperation.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration among African parliaments and promote transparency, democratic governance, and sustainable development through stronger legislative institutions.
He succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who served with distinction.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the early 1950s, serves as a continental branch of the IPU, ensuring fair representation of African countries in the Union’s committees and decision-making bodies.
It also coordinates Africa’s common positions on major parliamentary issues discussed at IPU assemblies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
