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Be good fathers, not ‘terrorists’ – Rev. Fr. Ayivor
Rev Fr Ignatius Ayivor
Birth among women have reduced significantly in recent times, a new survey by the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) has revealed.
The survey pointed to a decline in fertility rate that has seen a 1988 statistic of a woman having a minimum of six children dropped to four children per woman in 2022.
The Ghana 2022 Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS), the seventh since 1988, was designed to provide datatomonitor the population and state of health in Ghana.
It aims to provide reliable estimates for fertility levels and preferences, contraceptive use, antenatal and delivery care, maternal and child health, childhood mortality, childhood immunization, breastfeeding and young child feeding practices, violence against women and other indicators relevant to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
According to the report, women in the lowest wealth bracket tends to have six children on the average which is twice as many as women in the highest wealth bracket who have an average of about three children.
Regionally, the fertility rate ranges from two to three children per woman in the Greater Accra region to about six children or more per woman in the North East region.
It also revealed that the median age at first sexual intercourse is 18 years among women aged 25 to 49 and 20 years among men the same age.
The report also stated that the average age at first birth for women aged between 25 and 49 years is 22, saying “this means that half of women aged 25 and 49 years give birth for the first time before this age.”
Reacting to the statistics, a section of women The Spectator spoke to, confirmed the new data and gave reasons such as education, economic hardship and trauma during pregnancies for the development.
Mrs Roselyn Mensah, a banker said she has two children and did not think she would have another child.
According to her, “I want to give my children the best of education. Their fees are a lot and having additional children means we would have to pay more. My husband and I have decided to concentrate on the two and help them attain the highest level of education.”
Madam Ama Serwaa Boateng, a mother of three said, her last pregnancy nearly turned fatal so she decided to end it at three; although her dream was to have four.
Mrs Gifty Oppong, a 40-year old petty trader said, she has four children, adding that the last one was ‘unexpected.’
She cited economic reasons for the decision to have three children initially, saying that “business is not booming as it used to.”
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Ghana’s First Lady, Lordina Mahama, has made a generous donation to the country’s national female Under-17 and Under-20 teams – Black Maidens and Black Princesses- as they continue preparations for major international assignments.
The donation, made on Friday, May 22, was presented on behalf of the First Lady by the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, at the GFA Technical Centre in Prampram.
The gesture forms part of efforts to motivate and support Ghana’s young female footballers as they prepare to represent the country on the international stage.
The donation included essential food items and toiletries aimed at supporting the welfare and well-being of the players and technical teams.
The donation included cartons of Milo, T-rolls, soft drinks, toiletries, and a range of essential supplies aimed at supporting the welfare of the players, enhancing camp conditions, and easing preparations ahead of their respective assignments.
The Black Maidens are currently engaged in preparations for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers and are set to take on Liberia women’s national under-17 football team in the second-leg encounter in Liberia this weekend.
Meanwhile, the Black Princesses have already secured qualification to the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup after overcoming Uganda in the qualifiers, extending Ghana’s remarkable record to eight consecutive appearances at the tournament.
The donation by the First Lady was expected to boost morale within both camps while reinforcing national support for the young female footballers who continue to make the country proud.
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
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