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Penile implant a cure for Erectile Dysfunction
Men in Ghana, including those as old as 80 are suffering from conditions like hypertension and diabetes, now have a reliable treatment option for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), which is penile implant surgery.
In an interview, a Consultant Urologist and Sexologist, Dr Samuel Amanamah, shared that 52 per cent of men aged 40–70 were affected by ED in varying degrees.
He described ED, referred to as impotence, as the persistent inability to achieve or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual intercourse.
The condition, he stressed, has contributed to marital breakdowns, low self-esteem, and even infertility.
“Men in this situation can now breathe a sigh of relief,” Dr Amanamah said, adding that, “Age or chronic conditions like diabetes are no longer barriers to treatment. Even 80-year-olds have successfully undergone the procedure.”
The penile implant was considered the final treatment option for men when all other interventions, including oral medications, injectables, and medical devices fail.
The procedure involved inserting a silicon rod into the erectile tissues of the penis, providing an immediate and controllable erection, stating that there were two types of implants: malleable, which is always firm, and inflatable, which allows the user to regulate erections.
Dr Amanamah mentioned that the surgery required only a small 4cm incision beneath the penis.
“The incision site is barely visible after healing,” he said, adding that the minimally invasive procedure usually lasts an hour. Patients are typically discharged within one or two days.
Aesthetically, the penis remains unchanged after the procedure, and it is almost impossible to distinguish between one with an implant and one without, he noted.
“Functionally, the implant is even superior to natural erections,” he underlined. “It can last over 20 years and allows for intercourse as often as the patient desires.”
He added that patients can still father children after the procedure, provided they do not have underlying fertility issues.
“Some patients who suffered from 10 years of infertility have gone on to have twins after the surgery,” he noted, adding that others have reconciled with spouses after being previously divorced due to ED.
Although complications were possible, the success rate of penile implants was as high as 93 per cent, Dr Amanamah emphasised, stating that occasional erectile failure does not qualify as ED.
He also outline that the dysfunction must be persistent. “Some men start with a good erection but lose it during intercourse. That still counts as ED.”
Furthermore, he explained that ED can stem from various causes, including cardiovascular issues, neurological disorders, hormonal imbalances, and chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Psychological factors such as unresolved marital problems also play a role. Conditions like priapism, that is, prolonged erection often linked to sickle cell disease or abuse of sex-enhancement drugs could also result in ED if not promptly treated.
Moreover, Dr Amanamah underscored the importance of treating the root cause noting that “simply giving medication without addressing underlying issues only delays the problem,” and added that “effective treatment must be holistic.”
“When oral or injectable medications and medical devices fail, the penile implant remains a safe and long-term solution for restoring sexual function and quality of life,” he noted.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
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Prioritise affordable treatment of sickle cell treatment —Health Expert
Health experts have urged Ghana to prioritise affordable and accessible treatment for sickle cell disease (SCD) as advanced, but costly curative therapies remain out of reach.
SCD, an inherited blood disorder, affects about three in every 100 newborns in Ghana.
Globally, around 1,000 babies are born with the condition daily, with three-quarters in sub-Saharan Africa.
The disease causes severe complications including chronic pain, anaemia, infections, strokes and organ damage, often leading to shortened life expectancy.
In recent years, gene therapy has been developed as a potential cure.
However, its cost—running into millions of dollars per patient—makes it financially and technically inaccessible in Ghana.
According to Dr Lawrence Osei-Tutu, a Sickle Cell and Childhood Cancer Expert at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, “the country must instead focus on practical, lower-cost interventions such as hydroxyurea”, a decades-old cancer drug proven to reduce painful episodes, hospitalisation and life- threatening complications in SCD patients”.
Taken orally, the medicine improves red blood cell function and is considered safe and effective.
“Hydroxyurea therapy is as good as the cure and a low-hanging fruit to pluck, we must bring a cure to our sickle cell warriors, but do so sustainably.” he urged.
In a chat with The Spectator here, he said to create awareness on the disease, the expert noted that despite its benefits, “hydroxyurea is not widely accessible in Ghana.”
Stressing that, “many patients either cannot afford it or struggle with irregular supply through the health system.”
Moreover, he argued that scaling up access would provide immediate relief while the country builds the infrastructure, trains specialists and secures funding needed to support curative therapies in the future.
With an estimated 15,000 babies born with sickle cell disease annually in Ghana, Dr Osei Tutu cautioned that “failure to improve access to effective treatment will leave many patients vulnerable to preventable complications and early death.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Let’s reintroduce Cultural Studies to complement educational reforms — Tourism Minister
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, has emphasised the importance of reintroducing Cultural Studies in schools as part of Ghana’s broader educational reform agenda.
She said Cultural Studies would complement existing efforts to reposition Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) and Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to promote digital literacy and expand Creative Arts education.
Speaking at the 2025 Homowo Festival of the people of Ningo-Prampram, held on the theme: “Education: The Best Legacy for our Children,” Madam Gomashie said cultural education was critical to national identity and development.
She noted that the festival’s theme aligned with the Government’s vision to transform education in Ghana and encouraged the youth to embrace it not only as a means of personal development but also as a way of preserving traditional values.
These values, including patience, wisdom, and hard work, were at the core of the Homowo celebration, the Minister said.
“Cultural festivals like Homowo are vital instruments for strengthening cultural identity, preserving historical memory, and fostering national unity. Additionally, festivals serve as platforms for educating the youth through storytelling, music, dance, and other traditional practices, while also providing opportunities for community engagement.”
Madam Gomashie highlighted the strong foundation that Ghana’s tourism was built on, which included culture, traditions, and the creative industry, collectively contributing to over GH¢4.8 billion to the economy.
“Festivals give tourists reasons to visit our country. Therefore, with the right infrastructure and the development of all the domains, the sector can do more than what has been recorded,” she added.
Mr Sam Nartey George, the Member of Parliament for Ningo-Prampram and Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, commended the community for their vibrant participation in the festival. He announced plans for the construction of a new nursing training school in Ningo, aimed at expanding access to healthcare education in the area.
Nene Osroagbo Djangmah XII, Paramount Chief of Great Ningo Traditional Area; King Dr Tackie Teiko Tsuru II, Ga Mantse; Nene Tetteh Wakah III, Paramount Chief of the Prampram Traditional Area; Prof. Odaifio Welentsi III, Paramount Chief of the Nungua Traditional Area; Naana Dugbakuwor Dugba II, Paramount Queen Mother of Great Ningo; and Mr. Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, Special Envoy on Religion and Inter-Faith Affairs, who represented the Chief of Staff, were among dignitaries at the festival. -GNA
