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Don’t smoke if you intend to get pregnant — Specialist
Women who have the intention of becoming pregnant have been advised to quit smoking because tobacco has multiple negative effects on fertility.
He said that smoking was risky to the general health of a woman as well as the health of her unborn baby.
A Consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist, Dr. Edem K. Ahadzi gave the advice at a virtual training for media personnel on fertility issues organised by the Merck Foundation to enable journalists to effectively educate the public on fertility issues.
He said that any woman who had plans of conceiving should not smok because it was a threat to the process.
He further asked women who were trying to conceive to avoid alcohol and “street” drugs since these substances may impede their chances to conceive or have a healthy pregnancy.
Dr. Ahadzi highlighted the need for them to ensure they practised safe sex and avoided risky behaviours that could lead to Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs).
He explained that STDs if not treated could cause serious complications including pelvic inflamatory disease (PID), blockage of fallopian tubes, ectopic and prostatitis which could subsequently cause infertility.
The Specialist said besides the negative impact that the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) had on the body’s immunity, it could affect also the body’s ability to produce hormones required to be pregnant, or lead to early menopause.
He discouraged the sharing of needles with others because this could lead to the spread of diseases.
Dr. Ahadzi encouraged women to eat balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight stressing that underweight or overweight could affect the hormone production or result in disturbances in monthly period which could cause infertility.
The Vice President, Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called for stronger action to promote gender equity and create more opportunities for women in the workplace.
She made the call in a Facebook post after joining staff at the Presidency of Ghana to mark International Women’s Day.
The celebration was held under the theme “From Commitment to Action: Promoting Equity for Every Woman in the Workplace” and focused on recognising the achievements of women while reflecting on the work needed to ensure equal opportunities.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang extended warm wishes to women across Ghana and noted that women have always played key roles in the country’s communities and economic activities.
According to her, women in the past served as healers, traders and queen mothers who contributed to leadership and governance in traditional societies.
She explained that Ghana’s cultural history shows that women have long provided knowledge, leadership and innovation to help develop communities.
The Vice President however noted that current disparities require society to examine systems and structures that may have limited opportunities for women.
She stressed that advancing gender equity will require deliberate actions and the mentoring of young women to prepare them for leadership roles.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang recognised women whose work takes place in markets, streets and small trading spaces across the country.
According to her, these women form the backbone of local economies and continue to demonstrate resilience despite the difficult conditions they face.
She commended women working at the Presidency for their dedication and leadership and reaffirmed the need to promote respect, fairness and opportunity for every woman.
The Vice President further called on both men and women to work together to break barriers and ensure that women can fully contribute to Ghana’s development.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Diaspora Affairs Office at the Office of the President has hosted a delegation of African diaspora women who are in Ghana ahead of a planned Presidential Conferment of Citizenship ceremony.
The Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, explained in a Facebook post that the visit was a gesture of appreciation by the delegation to the Government of Ghana for its continued efforts to reconnect Africans in the diaspora with their ancestral homeland.
He indicated that the ceremony, scheduled for next Monday, will officially grant Ghanaian citizenship to members of the delegation as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora.
The delegation was led by Erica Bennett, Founder of the Diaspora Africa Forum.
According to Mr Okyere Darko, her years of advocacy have played an important role in strengthening ties between Africa and people of African descent living abroad.
He noted that the group’s journey towards citizenship represents not only a legal process but also a cultural and spiritual return to their roots.
Also present at the meeting was Natalie Jackson, an attorney who is also expected to receive Ghanaian citizenship during the ceremony. She works closely with renowned civil rights lawyer Ben Crump.
Mr Okyere Darko emphasised that Ghana remains committed to strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and promoting unity, identity, and shared heritage among people of African descent worldwide.
By: Jacob Aggrey
