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Govt commended for reducing maternal mortality
![• Dr. Wilfred Ochan (fitth from right) with Mr. Martin Adu-Owusu [fourth from right] and Staff UNFPA and NTC after the meeting Photo: Okai Elizabeth](https://spectator.com.gh/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Dr.-Wilfred-Ochan-fitth-from-right-with-Mr.-Martin-Adu-Owusu-fourth-from-right-and-Staff-UNFPA-and-NTC-after-the-meeting-Photo-Okai-Elizabeth-scaled.jpg)
The decision to keep or terminate a pregnancy should solely be the choice of women, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Ghana representative has said.
“The sense is that people should plan when they wish to start having babies, the spacing between the children, number of children and when you wish to stop having children,” the UNFPA said.
The Country Representative of UNFPA, Dr Wilfred Ochan said this on Thursday when he paid a courtesy call on the Management of New Times Corporation (NTC) in Accra.
The visit formed part of UNFPA’s effort to strengthen partnership between the two entities and also to amplify reproductive health advocacy.
He further reiterated his outfit’s commitment to achieving a world where every pregnancy is wanted, every childbirth is safe, and every young person’s potential is fulfilled.
He explained that enabling individuals to make informed decisions about when and how to have children is central to their mandate.
“In Ghana, about 23 per cent of people who need contraceptives are unable to access them. We at UNFPA support the procurement of 40 per cent of the country’s contraceptive commodities to help meet this need. Our aim is to achieve zero unmet need for family planning,” he noted.
Dr Ochan said to have a satisfactory outcome of every pregnancy, it was important to have both mother and child alive but that is not so with every pregnancy, stating that “ we still get 310 women per 100,000 live births die in the process of child birth.
According to the Country’s Director of UNPFA, Ghana was far from achieving the global target of 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030 but commended Ghana for taking some bold steps in reducing maternal mortality.
In an attempt to reduce maternal mortality, Dr Ochan called for training of midwives, equipping them with right skills and competence and also mentoring them on the job while developing policies and guidelines.
Highlighting the devastating impact of obstetric fistula; a condition often caused by obstructed labour, Dr Ochan called attention to the upcoming International Day to end Obstetric Fistula, observed annually on May 23.
As part of the 2025 commemoration, UNFPA will visit fistula survivors and support repair surgeries at hospitals in Ho, Cape Coast, and other facilities.
Responding, the Managing Director of NTC, Mr Martin Adu Owusu pledged the corporation’s readiness to collaborate with UNFPA to ensure maternal deaths was reduced.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N. M Quaittoo called on the UNFPA to open its doors and be ready to share information to the paper as it focused on maternal issues.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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