News
Frequent use of emergency pills can result in unplanned pregnancy – Dr Asah-Opoku
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Dr Asah Opoku, a Consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist and Head of Department of the Family Planning Unit at the KorleBu Teaching Hospital has cautioned women to desist from using emergency contraceptive pills frequently anytime they have sex in their bid to prevent pregnancy.
He said, an emergency contraceptive pill was not effective when one was ovulating and this was likely to get the person pregnant within any of the days ovulation take place.
He stressed that some women were using emergency contraception without any prescription from health experts and this could have effect on them.
“The more you take it the more your chances of getting pregnant becomes high. People now use it weekly, monthly and that is not advisable. It is supposed to be a one of thing” he added.
Speaking to The Spectator in an interview Dr Opoku said emergency pills did not stop or delay ovulation and advised women who always did so to refrain from it.
“Emergency contraception can work well, but it’s not a substitute for regular birth control. Regular birth control works better, has fewer side effects. As the name suggests, emergency birth control is for emergencies, not something to use all the time” he said
He explained that “emergency contraception refers to methods of contraception that can be used to prevent pregnancy after sexual intercourse. These are recommended for use within five days but are more effective the sooner they are used after the act of intercourse or within 72 hours”.
“It does not also prevent one from acquiring sexual Transmitted Disease”. He said and added that emergency contraceptive pills when taken made the hormones in our body very active for childbirth.
Dr Asah said that some women experienced nausea, slight irregular vaginal bleeding and fatigue after frequently taking the pills which counselling should be given on what other contraceptive options may be more appropriate and more effective.
According to him, in order to avoid pregnancy, there were permanent family planning method which included, Intrauterine Device (IUD), The Contraceptive Implant, Contraceptive Injection, Contraceptive Ring and Diaphragm which are available at health facilities for women.
“In health facilities people are educated and counselled on the type of family planning which would be good for them so we don’t impose methods to clients when they visit our facilities” he stressed.
He advised women to use permanent family planning services and stop using too much of the emergency pills.
He stated that one has to visit family health facility for counselling on the right Family Planning method.
By Linda Abrefi Wadie
Lawyers for former NAFCO Chief Executive Officer, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, say they will file an appeal despite a High Court directive for the Attorney General to amend two counts of defrauding by false pretences in the ongoing case.
The court on Wednesday ordered the AG to amend the two charges in the case involving the former NAFCO CEO and co-accused, Faiza Seidu Wuni.
Reacting to the ruling, counsel for Hanan Aludiba, Godfred Yeboah Dame, expressed dissatisfaction with the decision.
“Even though they’ve been ordered to amend some of the charges, we’ll still file an appeal. I think the decision was not so sound,” he said.
The case is part of ongoing prosecutions linked to alleged financial irregularities at the National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO).
The High Court’s directive means the prosecution will have to revise aspects of the charge sheet before the trial proceeds further.
Background
Counsel for former NAFCO CEO Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, led by Godfred Yeboah Dame, filed an application seeking to have the charges against their client dismissed.
They contend the charges are fundamentally flawed and violate his right to a fair trial.
The State, represented by Deputy Attorney General Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, opposed the application, maintaining that the charges are valid and that the accused ought to face trial.
Lawyers for Hanan’s wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, led by Augustine Obour, who would also benefit if the application succeeded, yielded their time to the lead counsel for the first accused.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
News
High Court rejects dismissal request in NAFCO Case, orders prosecution to amend 2 of 16 Charges Against former CEO
The High Court has declined a request by lead counsel for former National Food Buffer Stock Company (NAFCO) Chief Executive Officer, Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba, to dismiss charges against him, but has directed the Attorney General to amend two of the 16 counts filed against him.
Presiding Judge, Justice Francis Apangabonu Achibonga, a Justice of the Court of Appeal sitting with additional responsibility as a High Court judge, ruled today that while the prosecution must revise Counts 9 and 14, the trial will proceed on all charges.
This means the trial of the couple will continue on a combined 20 counts.
Hanan Abdul-Wahab Aludiba is facing 16 counts, while his wife, Faiza Seidu Wuni, is facing 4 counts. Both pleaded not guilty on May 18, 2026 and are currently on bail.
Godfred Yeboah Dame, former Attorney General and lead counsel for the first accused, had argued for the dismissal of the charges. Reacting after the ruling, he said the decision was not sound and indicated plans to file an appeal.
“Even though they’ve been ordered to amend some of the charges, we’ll still file an appeal. I think the decision was not so sound,” he stated.
Augustines Obuor is lead counsel for the second accused, Faiza Seidu Wuni, whiles the Republic was represented by Dr. Justice Srem-Sai, Deputy Attorney General.
The case relates to alleged financial irregularities at NAFCO and is being closely watched as part of government’s efforts to hold public officials accountable.
The court has directed the prosecution to effect the amendments to Counts 9 and 14 before the trial proceeds further.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
