News
“Early childbirth does not guarantee fertility”
Anytime the issue of infertility comes up, some people point accusing fingers at women or men who have never had a child.
This is why when one of a couple has a child from a previous relationship and is yearning for another but to no avail, such a situation triggers accusation and counter accusations in society.
But what many people are ignorant of is the fact that having a child earlier in life does not guarantee that such a person would not suffer infertility later.
Infertility according to Dr. Lughano Ndovie a Merck Foundation Alumni and a Scientific Committee Member in a compilation titled “infertility awareness prevention and management “, defined infertility as the failure to conceive after 12 months period of regular unprotected sexual intercourse.
This therefore does not matter whether one has had a child previously or not.
The condition was further sub divided into a Primary Infertility that is couples that have never conceived and Secondary infertility on the other hand which has to do with couple who have conceived before but now failing to get pregnant again.
Mrs. Josephine Alai, the Founder of the Single Parenting with Purpose (SPWP) a non profit making support group for single parents shares her battle with infertility four years in marriage after 11 years of having a set of twins out of wedlock.
“Having kids before, I didn’t know that having kids again would be that much of a challenge. My husband and I had to go through a lot of processes in our quest to get a child” she disclosed.
“I so desperately needed to bear a child for my husband who loved me and my twins so much my words cannot describe” she disclosed to the Spectator in an interview.
Mrs. Alai recalled how she took to “self medications, herbal concoctions, had several tests,ranging from hormonal treatments , HSG,Hydrotubation,IUI,from doctor to doctor yet nothing worked”.
She commended her husband for his support during what she described as turbulent times and who always calmed and assured her that all will be well.
She said as a Christian she always prayed about it and would pass by the church to do so as often as possible.
“Lord,I have served you. Where did I go wrong? You gave me children, not one but twins when I was so young and not ready to have them. You gave me a second chance at life and given me a man who loves and honours me,why would u withhold a child from us” she questioned God.
The Founder of Single Parenting With a Purpose said as human as she was, she got tired and gave up.
“Interestingly, I found out I was pregnant when I had given up. For the first time in four years after marriage” she disclosed.
She said though the pregnancy was not a smooth one, she was grateful to God for blessing her marriage with a baby girl.
“For those trying to conceive, be not discouraged. The process is painful but be assured God has got you and you are in Good hands. He sure makes all things beautiful in His time” she said.
She advised couples to be strong and support each other when they a battling with infertility and also seek medical attention.
She said couples must also note that it was possible to struggle to conceive even after a previous child or children.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema.
News
Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
News
Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
