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ECOWAS Gender Development Centre commits US$245,000 to Ghana’s Obstetric Fistula project
Madam Fattoh (right)presenting the cheque to Dr Awinubonu (right)
The ECOWAS Gender Development Centre (EGDC) has committed US$245,000 to support Ghana’s Obstetric Fistula Elimination Programme.
At a ceremony in Accra to launch the 2024 edition of the EGDC’s Obstetric Fistula Programme, a dummy cheque was presented to representatives of the Ministries of Health and Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Madam Sandra Oulate Fattoh, Director EGDC who made the presentation reiterated the Centre’s unwavering support to member states to improve the overall wellbeing of women and girls.
She said the launch of the 2024 edition of the Obstetric Fistula Programme, an initiative of her outfit reaffirmed commitment to the health and dignity of women in Ghana and across West Africa.
Dr Ignatius Awinubonu, who represented Dr Bernard Okoe-Boye, Ghana’s Health Minister, noted that Obstetric Fistula remained one of the most challenging Health issues faced women in sub-Saharan Africa.
The burden of this condition is particularly severe in rural and underserved areas, where access to quality maternal healthcare was often limited.
He mentioned Prevention, Treatment and Re-integration as the key areas of the Ghana Obstetric Fistula Prevention and Management Strategic Plan (GOFPMSP) which served as a blueprint guiding national efforts to combat the disease.
He noted that rehabilitation of the Tamale Fistula Centre was a key component of the ongoing efforts to be retooled to provide comprehensive care for patients.
While the Strategic Plan for the Elimination Programme had made remarkable success, much remained to be done, and these include scaling up community outreach programmes.
Dr Gabriel Ganyaglo, Chair of the National Fistula Task Force Team, described the EGDC support as important because it was meant for infrastructure upgrade, which was critical in the National strategic plan.
According to him, most of the funding went into surgeries and treatment of patients, adding that this was a major fund for infrastructure. These funds will go directly into expanding the Tamale Fistula Centre, to provide an additional theatre with complimentary equipment and additional beds to become a comprehensive regional centre of excellence.
He hoped that through the collaborative efforts of the health ministry and development partners, Fistula repair would be accessible to ensure that no woman suffered the debilitating effects of Obstetric Fistula.
Madam Fidelia Anku and Deborah Nkansah, Fistula survivors narrated their painful ordeal in getting treatment until they received free surgeries and treatment from the National Fistula Task Force due to support of the EGDC.- GNA
The Majority Chief Whip and Member of Parliament for South Dayi, Rockson-Nelson Dafeamekpor, says Parliament and government officials are working closely with authorities in the Netherlands following the detention of the Member of Parliament for Asante Akyem North, Kwame Ohene Frimpong.
Speaking on the matter on Channel One news yesterday, Mr. Dafeamekpor disclosed that the MP was detained at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam on Sunday while travelling on a private trip.
According to him, Mr. Frimpong personally informed him about the incident around 5 a.m. on the day of the arrest.
He said the issue was immediately escalated to parliamentary leadership and other state officials for intervention.
Mr. Dafeamekpor explained that the Majority Leader, who was in transit at Heathrow Airport in London at the time, travelled to Schiphol to engage the detained MP and better understand the situation.
He added that the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ghana’s Ambassador to The Hague, the Attorney General, the Speaker of Parliament and the Clerk to Parliament had all been involved in efforts to address the matter.
According to him, a Ghanaian lawyer based in The Hague and qualified to practise there has also been engaged to represent the MP.
“The lawyer is dealing with the issues, but let me confirm that he is fine,” Mr. Dafeamekpor stated.
He noted that Parliament and the legal team were still waiting for official documents, including an authenticated copy of the arrest warrant and other details from Dutch prosecutors handling the matter.
The South Dayi MP therefore urged the media and the public to avoid speculation until all facts surrounding the case are confirmed.
“We want to urge all the media houses not to be throwing in things that have not been confirmed,” he said.
Mr. Dafeamekpor further explained that Parliament’s involvement was partly because the MP was travelling with a diplomatic passport.
He noted that extradition and detention cases involving political figures are not uncommon internationally, citing examples such as former Chilean leader Augusto Pinochet and Julian Assange.
According to him, authorities are hopeful the matter can be resolved for the MP to return to Ghana safely.
He appealed to the MP’s family, colleagues in Parliament and the public to remain calm while diplomatic and legal processes continue.
By: Jacob Aggrey
Ghana Water Ltd has announced temporary water supply interruptions in several parts of western Accra following technical challenges at the Weija Water Treatment Plant.
In a press release issued on May 13, the company explained that the challenges had affected water production and distribution in some communities.
According to the management of the company, residents in areas including Dansoman, Mamprobi, Mataheko, Laterbiokorshie, Korle Bu, La Paz, MacCarthy Hill, Gbawe, Mallam, Tesano, Darkuman, North Kaneshie, Dome, Achimota, Anyaa and Ablekuma may experience low water pressure and erratic water supply.
Management noted that engineers and technical teams were working to fix the problem and restore normal water supply as soon as possible.
The company advised consumers to store water whenever there is flow in their communities in order to manage the temporary disruption.
It urged essential service providers to contact their Assembly Members or the Ghana Water Ltd Call Centre for assistance.
The company apologized to customers affected by the situation and appealed for calm and cooperation while efforts continue to resolve the challenge.
By: Jacob Aggrey
