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.
For the first time in its seven-year history, the celebrated Guinea Fowl Bazaar has been brought to Accra, marking a significant expansion of an event that has, for the past six years, been a staple in Tamale.
The two-day cultural and culinary festival, held from May 1–2, drew over 500 patrons and featured nearly 20 vendors, to promote Northern Ghana’s rich food culture particularly guinea fowl delicacies.
Hosted by By Faith Catering Services, the bazaar brought together traditional leaders, cultural groups, food entrepreneurs, and government representatives in a display of heritage and enterprise.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Angelo Dogbe, the Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority underscored the importance of promoting indigenous cuisine as a tool for economic development and cultural preservation. Chiefs from the Northern Region also graced the occasion, lending traditional authority and reinforcing the cultural significance of the festival.
A major highlight of the bazaar was a series of captivating cultural performances representing the diverse tribes of the Northern Region. Attendees were treated to traditional music, dance, and attire, transforming the venue into a lively tapestry of Northern identity and pride.
Vendors expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to showcase their products to a new audience in the capital. Many noted increased visibility, networking opportunities, and strong sales throughout the two-day event.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of By Faith Catering Services, Mrs. Matilda Zenabu Pipio described the Accra edition as a strategic move to broaden the reach of the festival and create new economic pathways for vendors and producers from the north.
She announced plans to make the Accra bazaar an annual event, emphasizing its potential to boost employment, promote guinea fowl production, and introduce more Ghanaians to the unique flavours of Northern cuisine.
She said, the event is a platform for cultural exchange, economic empowerment, and national unity through food.
She commended partners and called on more organisers to support and invest in initiatives like this.
Meanwhile, the organizers of Guinea fowl Bazaar paid a courtesy call to the Editor of Spectator, Mrs. Georgina Naa-Maku Quaittoo and Mr. David Adadevoh, Acting Editor of The Ghanaian Times.
Both editors lauded the initiatives and encouraged the organizers to sustain it.
Organizers for the initiative and called on stakeholders and cooperate bodies to support this good course.
By Geoffrey Buta.
MTN Ghana has hosted more than 200 students from various educational institutions in Accra for an engaging, hands-on technology immersion at MTN House, bringing classroom theory to life and fueling interest in STEM and digital innovation.
Students from Ashesi University, Ghana International School, Cradle Star Academy, and Kinderland School explored MTN Ghana’s rich history, core values, customer-focused innovations, and digital transformation agenda.
They were introduced to the company’s sustainability and social impact initiatives, spanning education, youth empowerment and community development. A key highlight of the visits was a tour of MTN Ghana’s Network Operations Centre (NOC) and data centres.
The students gained first-hand exposure to the advanced technology, systems, and expertise powering seamless connectivity for millions daily – offering a rare look into how MTN ensures network performance, security, and resilience.
Speaking on the initiative, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe, noted, “Hosting students at MTN House reflects our commitment to shaping Ghana’s digital future. As we deliver our Ambition 2030 strategy, we are deepening investments in youth development through programmes like the Bright Scholarship, the MTN Digital Skills Academy, and collaborations on the One Million Coders Programme and the Girls in ICT initiative led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovation.”
Paschal Paaga, Manager for IT Projects Implementation, emphasised the importance of experiential learning.
‘’By opening our doors, we are helping to bridge the gap between academia and industry. We want young people to see the real-world impact of technology and be inspired to pursue careers in STEM.”
For many participants, the experience was transformative. Maame Sapomaa, a Level 300 Information Systems student from Ashesi University, shared, “The visit was incredibly inspiring. Everything we have learned in the classroom came to life, and we were exposed to new concepts beyond our studies. It has motivated me even more to pursue a career in technology.”
As MTN Ghana advances its Ambition 2030 vision, the company remains committed to driving digital inclusion, platform-led innovation, and building strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s long-term socio-economic development.
