News
Half of infertility cases traceable to men — Dr.Edem Hiadzi
A more credible medical source has asked men not to put the blame of childlessness wholly on the door steps of women.
Men should also bear part of the blame.
“About half of the causes of infertility are due to or include male factors and infertility is one of the commonest conditions affecting reproductive age group between 20 and 45 years,”
Dr. Edem K. Hiadzi, a Consultant Obstetrician Gynaecologist and Fertility Specialist at the Lister Hospital and Family Centre in Accra brought these to the fore at a Merck Media Training for Journalists in Asia and Africa via video conference.
He said that there had been unjustifiable condemnation of women who were unable to conceive stressing that women alone should not be blamed but men could also be contributive factor to the problem.
Dr. Hiadzi who is the President of the Fertility Society of Ghana (FERSOG) pointed out that infertility had been a major cause of marital problems in Africa, and had exposed women to ostracisation, social discrimination as well as physical violence.
He revealed that in Sub-Saharan Africa male factor causes of infertility constituted 40 per cent, while that of female causes of infertility also constituted 40 per cent, with 15 percent being male and female factors and the remaining five per cent being inexplicable factors.
He said fertility was a shared responsibility and ,therefore, it was important for men to equally get tested with their wives when there was a delay in childbirth.
Dr. Hiadzi said it was unfortunate that, due to lack of knowledge, some women had to carry the burden as the main cause of childlessness of a couple when in fact, the man was the cause and stated that it was important for men to support their wives by getting tested with them.
Giving tips on how to avoid infertility, he advised men to avoid high temperatures as this could affect sperm production and motility temporary.
He mentioned riding motorbikes, hot tubs and steam baths as some of the activities which should be avoided but men should instead resort to showers, wear loose pants, limit their alcohol intake, refrain from drugs and smoking.
He noted that viral infections like mumps may also affect the testes leading to infertility, and gave other causes in the male infertility as previous hernia repair which may accidentally damage the vast deferens and varicose which may also lead to low sperm count.
Dr. Hiadzi further advised men to seek early medical treatment for sexually transmitted diseases especially gonorrhoea and chlamydia which he said, accounted for a significant proportion of cases.
“These infections cause chronic epididymitis and occlusion of the vast deferens leading to oligospermia (low sperm count) and azoospermia (no sperms in semen)” he disclosed, and
encouraged the media to highlight the need for childless couples to seek help and also for society to stop stigmatising them.
News
Chief Imam endorses ‘Let Love Lead’s’ clean-up campaign at Nkrumah Circle
The National Chief Imam, Sheikh Osman Nuhu Sharubutu, has thrown his weight behind the upcoming city-wide clean-up exercise scheduled for Saturday, June 14, 2025, at Kwame Nkrumah Circle.
The revered Islamic leader gave his blessing during a consultative meeting with organisers of the exercise, calling the initiative a “commendable national duty” that aligns with both religious and civic responsibility.
The clean-up, which marks the third edition of a growing sanitation drive, is being organised by community stakeholders and supported by civil society groups.
This year’s exercise is especially symbolic as it coincides with the 10th anniversary of the June 3, 2015 flood and fire disaster that claimed over 150 lives at the same location.
“The well-being of our people and the cleanliness of our environment are acts of faith and service,” the Chief Imam said.
“We must all come together—Christians, Muslims, traditionalists, and non-religious people alike—to honour the memory of those lost and prevent future tragedies,” He added.
Organisers, ‘Let Love Lead’, say the Chief Imam’s endorsement adds significant moral weight to the campaign, which already enjoys growing national support.
Engagements have also been held with traditional rulers, MPs, government officials, and social influencers to galvanise wider participation.
This year’s event is expected to go beyond sanitation. Side activities include medical outreach, disaster preparedness education, interfaith prayers, and donations to victims of the June 3 disaster.
Nene Lartey Osakonor I (Big Dawood), a traditional leader spearheading coordination, described the Chief Imam’s support as “invaluable.”
He said, “We are deeply honoured by the Chief Imam’s endorsement.
“His message is a powerful reminder that sanitation is not just a government or NGO responsibility—it’s a spiritual and civic duty,” he added.
More institutions, volunteers, and media houses are expected to join the campaign as the date draws near.
News
Speaker joins Ugandan Parliament’s inaugural sitting
The Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, was among distinguished African leaders who witnessed the Inaugural Sitting of the 5th Session of Uganda’s 11th Parliament yesterday.
The event, presided over by Uganda’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Anita Anette Among, marked the beginning of the final legislative session before the country heads to the polls to elect new lawmakers.
Speakers and presiding officers from Namibia, Congo, East African Legislatures, Kenya’s Senate, South Sudan, and the Leader of the West Africa bloc of the Organisation of African, Caribbean, and Pacific States (OACPS) also attended the session.
In accordance with Uganda’s 1995 Constitution, President Yoweri Museveni delivered the State of the Nation Address, highlighting his government’s achievements.
Using pictorial evidence and videos, he showcased progress in infrastructure development, particularly road construction, and efforts to ensure food security.
The President also emphasized advancements in healthcare, including research initiatives and improved service delivery.
He further noted groundbreaking innovations in science and technology, such as the production and export of the Kirra electric cars.
President Museveni thanked Parliament for supporting government initiatives and pledged more developmental projects, including additional roads across constituencies. As Uganda prepares for elections, he expressed confidence in his National Resistance Movement’s performance while wishing all political parties well.
Following the address, Parliament is set to commence debates next week before receiving the President again for the budget presentation.
Speaker Among commended the President for his support to the legislature and urged Members of Parliament to uphold patriotism and dedicated service.
Bagbin Calls for African Unity
At a dinner hosted for visiting delegations, Rt. Hon. Bagbin, who also chairs the Conference of Speakers and Presiding Officers of African Legislatures (CoSPAL), urged Uganda to remain committed to African unity and socio-economic development.
The event reinforced the spirit of Pan-African cooperation as nations strengthen parliamentary ties for continental progress.
