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Stay away from second-hand smoking, nicotine products
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Exposure to second-hand smoking among pregnant women and use of nicotine products have been identified as some of the main causes for birth-related challenges including premature birth, low birth weight, and other adversative health conditions.
Consequently, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has advised pregnant women to totally stay away from tobacco and nicotine products to safeguard their health and that of their unborn babies.
The call was made at a meeting to mark this year’s “World No Tobacco Day” which was observed on Tuesday, with health advocates stressing that pregnancy was a critical period when mothers needed to nurture and protect both themselves and their babies.
According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), tobacco and nicotine use during pregnancy can have serious consequences, affecting the growth and development of the unborn child while also exposing expectant mothers to health complications.
The service explained that smoking during pregnancy, as well as exposure to second-hand smoke, increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and other adverse health outcomes that can affect both mother and baby.
The warning comes at a time when global efforts are being intensified to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use under the theme: ‘unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.’
Additionally, GHS noted that while some tobacco and nicotine products are often marketed as attractive or less harmful alternatives, all forms of nicotine remain addictive and pose significant health risks.
It emphasised that creating smoke-free homes and communities was essential in supporting healthy pregnancies and giving children a better start in life.
Families were, therefore, encouraged to support pregnant women by ensuring that homes, workplaces, and public spaces remain free from tobacco smoke and nicotine exposure.
“Pregnancy is a time to nurture and protect both mother and baby. Tobacco and nicotine use during pregnancy can have serious consequences,” the service stated.
Expectant mothers were urged to seek support if they are struggling to quit smoking or using nicotine products, while communities were encouraged to play an active role in promoting healthier lifestyles.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has taken note of public allegations of extortion and related conduct made against the Minority Leader of Parliament, Alexander Afenyo-Markin.
The allegations were made by the Chief Executive of the Ghana Gold Board (GoldBod), Sammy Gyamfi.
In a brief statement, the OSP said it has also received a joint petition submitted by two persons, as well as two separate petitions from other persons, in relation to the same allegations.
“Given the nature of the allegations, the OSP will assess the case and determine whether it falls within its statutory mandate and whether further investigative action is warranted,” the statement said.
The development comes amid a heated public feud between the Minority in Parliament and the leadership of GoldBod over the operations of the Domestic Gold Purchase Programme.
The Minority, led by Afenyo-Markin, has accused GoldBod and the Bank of Ghana of causing a loss of over $1.7 billion, citing the International Monetary Fund’s August 2026 report. The Minority has vowed to pursue the matter as Parliament has reconvened for an emergency sitting.
GoldBod, on the other hand, has rejected claims by some NPP MPs, including Tano South MP Dr Gideon Boako, that it owes the Bank of Ghana GH¢1 billion in overdrafts, describing the claim as “false and malicious.”
In the latest twist, GoldBod CEO Sammy Gyamfi has accused the Minority Leader of extortion and related conduct, an allegation that has triggered petitions to the OSP.
The OSP is mandated under Act 959 to investigate and prosecute specific cases of alleged or suspected corruption and corruption-related offences involving public officers and politically exposed persons.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Justin Kodua Frimpong, has filed his nomination to contest the position of General Secretary again as the party begins its rebuilding efforts ahead of the 2028 general elections.
He was accompanied by party stalwarts and supporters who were in high spirits, expressing confidence that he is the right person to hold the position.
Speaking after filing his nomination, Mr Kodua Frimpong assured the rank and file of the party that he would not disappoint them.
“I can assure you that the faith the rank and file of the party have had in me, I will never disappoint them,” he said.
He also pledged to run a clean campaign devoid of personal attacks.
“I can assure you that our internal campaign will be devoid of personal attacks,” he told his fellow contestants and the rank and file of the party as he seeks to retain his position.
His tenure has seen the party through the 2024 general elections, where the NPP lost power to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after eight years in government.
The party is currently in a rebuilding phase, with internal elections scheduled to elect new national executives to lead its reorganization towards the 2028 polls.
The General Secretary position is considered one of the most influential in the party’s administrative structure, responsible for the day-to-day running of the party secretariat and implementation of party decisions.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
