News
Exercise regularly to reduce risk of erectile dysfunction – Dr Nyarkotey
Men have been urged to cut down on eating processed foods and maintain a regular exercise routine to help reduce the risk of erectile dysfunction.
According to Dr Raphael Nyarkotey Obu, Honorary Professor of Holistic Medicine, erectile dysfunction is common in patients with cardiovascular disease but much of it has to do with lifestyle.
He told The Spectator that frequent and regular erections were a sign of good cardiovascular health however erectile dysfunction was not always a sign of a heart problem, as it could also be caused by anxiety, fear, discomfort, or other psychological challenges.
“If psychological issues are not your problem, and you have gone three months without an erection, then I would advise you take a look at your lifestyle,” he said.
He noted that sexual function was important for the quality of life of men, however, erectile dysfunction could be “a sign of a more deadly problem.”
Dr Nyarkotey maintained that men must always check their lifestyle, try to change their diet, exercise regularly, and take useful dietary supplements, adding that lifestyle changes and some medical treatment could help improve sexual function.
“The inability to function sexually can be embarrassing to a man, there are many stigmas tied to a man’s manliness and his ability to rise to the occasion.
“Because of the strong links between erectile dysfunction and cardiovascular problems, and perhaps the stronger links between cardiovascular health, diet, and exercise, I see the penis as a barometer to a man’s health,” he said.
The renowned Researcher and Holistic Medicine Advocate, citing a review article in the European Heart Journal, indicated that more than half of men over 50 years and more than two-thirds of those over age 70 had erectile dysfunction, and that the condition had strong connection to heart disease.
He explained that a chemical known as Nitric Oxide is “mainly responsible for widening the arteries during physical activity, but it also helps bring blood flow to the male organ during sexual intercourse.”
He, however, said that when the arteries became hard and clogged by an unhealthy lifestyle, “the arteries in the penis take a hit just as much as the arteries in the heart and erections do not happen.”
He further asserted that the inability to get an erection is a common problem, but “it is not normal.”
Dr] Nyarkotey believes that a healthy man should experience three to four-morning erections a week but there’s no need to panic when the ‘organ does not want to cooperate’ as that could happen as result of stress.
He, therefore, called for the consumption of water melon and Hibiscus tea, for a “great and healthy penis”.
Source: Ghanaian Times
News
National Service Authority gets new Director-General
The National Service Authority (NSA) has officially welcomed a new Director-General, Ms. Ruth Dela Seddoh, following a brief handing-over ceremony at its headquarters on Tuesday.
The event marked the formal transfer of leadership from the outgoing Director-General, Mr. Felix Gyamfi, to Ms. Seddoh. Management and staff of the Authority attended the ceremony.
Mr. Gyamfi used the occasion to thank staff for their support during his tenure.
He encouraged them to give the same cooperation to Ms. Seddoh to ensure the continued growth and impact of the Authority.
Ms. Seddoh expressed appreciation to government for the confidence placed in her.
She promised to build on the achievements of her predecessor and called for teamwork, dedication and innovation to help the NSA deliver on its mandate to support national development.
Management of the Authority pledged their full support to the new leadership as the organisation enters its next phase.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
NSA board sets up committee to supervise digital reforms
The Governing Board of the National Service Authority (NSA) has announced the inauguration of a Transition and Implementation Steering Committee (TISC) to oversee the Authority’s digital transformation agenda.
According to the Board, the move follows a letter dated 17 June 2025 from the Office of the President to the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment directing the suspension of the existing deployment system, calling for an audit of its operations and instructing the design and deployment of a new digital platform.
The Board explained that the audit had been completed and had found the existing system unsatisfactory.
It indicated that the Minister had written to the Board to begin the necessary legal processes to ensure the contract for the audited system, which expired in August 2025, would not be renewed, and to take further steps toward designing and deploying a new digital platform that would guarantee transparency, security and real-time verification of service personnel postings.
It stressed that the TISC had been established to ensure a smooth and orderly transition from the current National Service Scheme digital platform to a new ICT-led system aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and service delivery.
The Authority outlined the Committee’s mandate as overseeing the phased migration from the legacy system, directing the design and deployment of a modern digital platform, and supervising its operationalisation across core functions including personnel enrolment, postings, payroll, allowances and scheme administration.
It further noted that acting under the directives of the Minister of Youth Development and Empowerment and deriving authority from the NSA Board, the TISC has the power to issue instructions to NSA departments and engage external partners necessary to achieve its mandate through the Governing Board.
The Authority named Dr. Wisdom Atiwoto, a member of the NSA Board and Director of Research, Statistics and Information Management at the Ministry of Health, as chair of the Committee.
Other members include Ms. Ruth Dela Seddoh, Mr. Shadrack Mensah, Ms. Elorm Goh, Mr. Benjamin Freeman Kusi, Ms. Jennifer Opong, Dr. Stephan Nwolley, Mr. Koku Abotsi, Mr. Japhet Kuntu, Mr. Nabil Abubakar Hussayn and Ms. Regina Obenewa Penrose as Secretary.
The NSA Board assured the public and stakeholders of its commitment to innovation, accountability and excellence in service delivery.
It emphasised that there would be no disruption in the fulfilment of its obligations to national service personnel as outlined in the National Service Act, Act 1119 (2024), and indicated that updates on the Committee’s progress would be communicated in due course.
With the collective expertise of its members, the TISC is expected to deliver a robust and future-ready platform that will anchor the next phase of the National Service Scheme’s operations.
By: Jacob Aggrey
