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Improve maternal care, mental health to address infertility —Health experts
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Health experts have called for urgent public education, improved maternal care and mental health support to help address the medical and social impact of infertility.
Speaking at a health media training programme organised by the Merck Foundation last week in Dubai, leading specialists from across the continent called for urgent action to fight cultural stigma, improve access to reproductive healthcare, and normalise open conversations around infertility.
Dr Edem K. Hiadzi, a renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist with the Lister Hospital in Accra, highlighted reproductive tract infections as one of the major causes of infertility in women across sub-Saharan Africa.
He explained that these infections often result from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), unsafe abortion practices, and post-delivery infections, which are frequently linked to untrained birth attendants or traditional healers.
“Infections acquired during unsterile procedures such as unsafe abortions or poorly managed deliveries can lead to tubal blockage and adhesions,” Dr Hiadzi said.
“Asherman’s syndrome, caused by excessive scraping of the uterine lining during dilation and curettage (D&C), is another major contributor. These are preventable conditions, yet they continue to rob many women of the ability to conceive.”
He expressed concern that a significant number of women in rural and underserved communities still deliver outside professional health facilities, increasing their risk of infections that lead to long-term complications.
“We cannot ignore the role of unskilled birth practices in perpetuating infertility. Prolonged and obstructed labour, for instance, can lead to pelvic infections, tubal damage, and obstetric fistula-some of the most devastating outcomes for any woman,” he added.
Dr Hiadzi stressed that infertility, particularly among women, is often misunderstood and leads to severe social consequences.
Supporting his call for action, Dr Francisca Bwalya, a consultant psychiatrist and Zambia’s National Mental Health Coordinator, highlighted the psychological trauma many women endure due to infertility.
Dr Bwalya warned that the emotional burden can lead to anxiety, depression, and long-lasting mental health challenges.
She called for community-based education campaigns to address behavioural practices and promote safer reproductive choices.
Dr David Mwesigye, a fertility specialist based in Kigali, Rwanda, emphasised the importance of early medical intervention.
He explained that while men can remain fertile well into old age, women’s fertility significantly declines after the age of 35.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
The Ghana Police Service has arrested a man suspected of running a romance scam that targeted women with false marriage promises, blackmail, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
The suspect, Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng, was arraigned alongside Sally Akosua Amoasah before the Accra Circuit Court 1 on charges of conspiracy to commit crime, defrauding by false pretences, and non-consensual sharing of intimate images.
According to preliminary investigations, Kwarteng posed as a pastor conducting online church services on Instagram. He allegedly told women that “God had revealed” they were his future wives.
To gain their trust, police say he went as far as meeting their families and presenting them with promise rings.
Investigators allege the suspect then obtained intimate images of some victims and used them to blackmail them for money.
He is also accused of introducing victims to a fake car tyre business. Under the pretext of shipping and clearing containers of tyres, he allegedly collected thousands of dollars from them before becoming unreachable.
Police further allege that Kwarteng shared the intimate images of some victims with his wife, Sally Akosua Amoasah, who is also accused of threatening the victims.
Seven victims have so far reported the matter to the Police. Investigations indicate the offences date back to 2021.
The court remanded Nana Yaw Bonsu Kwarteng into Police custody to reappear on August 6, 2026. Sally Akosua Amoasah was granted bail.
The Ghana Police Service says it continues to receive complaints from other possible victims.
The Service is urging anyone who may have had similar encounters with the suspect to report to the nearest Police station to assist with ongoing investigations.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghana’s tourism industry is in mourning following the sudden death of Prince Anthony Bart-Appiah, a pioneering figure credited with helping to reconnect the African diaspora to the continent.
Prince Anthony passed away in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2026, at his private residence in Spintex, Accra.
He was instrumental in the development and promotion of “The Year of Return,” the flagship tourism campaign that invited members of the African diaspora to return to Ghana in 2019.
The initiative is widely regarded as a turning point that boosted Ghana’s tourism numbers and strengthened cultural ties with Black communities across the world.
Beyond his work with the GTA, Prince Anthony was the Chief Exexutive Officer (CEO) of Bridgezone, an agency dedicated to showcasing Africa to Western audiences and fostering cultural and business connections between the continent and the diaspora.
Colleagues describe him as passionate, strategic, and committed to telling authentic African stories that drive tourism, investment, and pride.
Widely known as Prince Anthony, he served as a Board Member of the Ghana Tourism Authority from 2025 to date.
A former British Army officer and a royal of the Akwamu clan, he brought discipline, vision, and a deep sense of heritage to every role he held
Prince Anthony was also a proud father to two teenagers, whom he deeply cherished.
In a statement, the *Ghana Tourism Authority extended its heartfelt condolences to the grieving family, friends, and all sympathizers.
“The tourism industry has lost a pioneering figure and a vital link to the diasporan community,” the statement read.
The statement further added that “We pray for strength for the family during this difficult time.”
Tributes have since poured in from tourism stakeholders, creatives, and diasporan groups who say Prince Anthony’s legacy will continue to shape how the world sees and experiences Ghana.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
