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Infertility can cause mental disorders -Psychiatrist
Dr Emefa Dzordzorme
A Resident Psychiatrist at the Accra Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Emefa Adzo Dzordzorme, has identified infertility as one of the contributory factors to mental disorders among childless couples, particularly women.
According to her, the psychological issues and challenges childless women experience can be worsened by derogatory comments and stigma.
Dr Dzordzorme said this at a training programme for Health Journalists organised by the Merck Foundation in collaboration with the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The media training forms part of a community awareness programme by Merck Foundation in partnership with Ghana’s First Lady, Mrs Rebecca Akufo-Addo, who is an ambassador of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign.
Infertility is defined as trying to get pregnant with frequent unprotected sex for at least a year without success.
According to her, women mostly suffer the brunt of childlessness although the problem could be from both husband and wife or one of them.
She said in most Ghanaian societies, childless women were often mocked at gatherings such as workplaces, churches, family gatherings, and other social events, which has the tendency to compound already existing psychological issues affecting them.
She stated that issues of infertility could cause mental distress and make people have low self-esteem as they internalise some of the expectations of society, which could trigger depressive episodes.
“Infertility does not cause mental illness, but it contributes to the development and maintenance of a mental illness,” Dr Dzordzorme said.
She encouraged people suffering from infertility to seek help from specialists to help them deal with the biological issues as well as social and psychological.
Dr Dzordzorme advised individuals not to suffer alone since help was available, saying, “Whether you are going through infertility stigma, or mental health challenges, there are specialised practitioners available to help.”
She also urged the public to walk into the Accra Psychiatric Hospital and any of the regional hospitals and mental health units in the districts to seek help.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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Health Minister leads delegation Mimi Darko’s appointment as AMA Director General
Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, Minister for Health and Member of Parliament has led a delegation to secure the appointment of Dr Delese Mimi Darko, Chief Executive Officer of the Food and Drugs Authority, as the Director General of the African Medicines Agency (AMA) during the ongoing 2nd Ordinary Session of the Conference of State Parties in Kigali, Rwanda.
This prestigious appointment, achieved through a competitive process, marks a proud and historic moment for Ghana and the entire continent.
It highlights Dr. Darko’s exceptional leadership, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to enhancing public health and regulatory systems across Africa.
The Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for his strong support and leadership throughout this process.
Mr.Akandoh congratulated Dr. Mimi Darko and Team Ghana for their incredibly successful campaign.
The AMA was established by the African Union on November 5, 2021, with the primary objective of improving access to quality, safe, and effective medical products throughout the continent. Its creation aims to facilitate the regulation and oversight of essential medicines at a continental level while promoting collaboration among African countries and regions.
The Agency’s mission is to provide leadership in creating an enabling regulatory environment for the pharmaceutical sector in Africa, ensuring that the African population has access to essential medical products and technologies.
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Police arrest five suspects involved in robbery cases in Ashanti Region
The Police Intelligence Directorate (PID) in the Ashanti Region has informed the public about a recent breakthrough in the fight against armed robbery in the Denchemuoso District.
Following a series of robbery incidents in the area, on April 22, 2025, PID/Ashanti operatives, acting on credible intelligence, apprehended one Michael Owusu Ansah, alias Baby Last, aged 32.
The suspect had been on the police wanted list since 2016 in connection with a robbery and the murder of Police Officer G/Cpl Frank Essel of SWAT/Ashanti, which occurred at the Open Space Hotel in Denchemuoso on May 19, 2016.
During interrogation, the suspect confessed to engaging in multiple street and residential robberies in Denchemuoso, Atwima-Techiman, Asuoyeboah, and surrounding areas.
He also disclosed that his gang operated with knives, pistols, and pump-action guns.
Further investigations led to the identification and arrest of his accomplices, namely:Emmanuel Owusu, alias Cassidy, Maxwell Gyimah, alias Nana Kwame, Sudais Oxford Ntiamoah, alias The Man Sudais and Rhano Okyere, alias Demon
These individuals were arrested from their hideouts within Atwima-Techiman and Denchemuoso.
However, one suspect, remains at large and efforts are underway to apprehend him and recover the weapons used in the robberies.
All five arrested suspects were arraigned before the Atasomanso Circuit Court on May 13, 2025.
They were remanded into police custody and are scheduled to reappear on June 4, 2025.
