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‘Preterm babies aren’t curses’
• Mrs. Mayne-Eghan making a donation
to a mother of a preterm baby
An advocate for preterm babies’ wellness and their survival, Mrs. Naa Kuorkor Mayne-Eghan, Founder of Jay Foundation, has expressed dissatisfaction about the rate at which some mothers and parents abandon from their preterm babies at various health facilities.
The advocate bemoaned that some families in our Ghanaian cultural setting have the misconception that preterm babies are bad omens and a curse to the family; hence, they abandon these little innocent babies in order not to carry them along as curses.
This act, she said, was cruel, inhumane, and primitive because the preterm babies are innocent of whatever complication they may find themselves in.
She explained that preterm babies are those born before the 37th week of pregnancy, and that such babies require special treatment and attention at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to be able to grow normally like full-term babies.
Adding to that, she said some of the treatment for these preterm babies may require more intensive nursery care, medication, and sometimes surgery due to the degree of complications.
Mrs. Mayne-Eghan encouraged preterm mothers not to be anxious and afraid of preterm babies because the situation has nothing to do with spirituality, superstitious beliefs, or a curse as such babies are just going to grow up and be perfectly fit like full-term babies.
“It is about time we eschew negative perceptions and do away with some myths and misconceptions about maternal health and its related health complications,” she stressed.
On her part, there must be enough education for preterm mothers and her family at large in order to prevent the worrying phenomenon where families and mothers abandon preterm babies because it has nothing to do with traditional or cultural affiliations but rather a medical condition.
The founder of the Jay Foundation called on stakeholders in the health sector to shift attention to neonatal healthcare because these preterm babies are the future leaders who would rule the affairs of the nation.
“The death of a baby should not be as a result of negligence or due to the unavailability of medical equipment, electricity, or space because the babies did not ask to be born into such troubling situations,” she passionately underscored.
According to her, the Jay Foundation, a non-governmental organisation has devoted its mandate to ensuring that pre-mature babies survive in Ghana by ensuring their mothers are happy and the neonatal intensive care units are equipped to ensure that the babies thrive.
Highlighting the success story of the Jay Foundation, the Founder said since its inception in 2019, it has made donations of more than GH¢300,000 to NICUs (neonatal intensive care units) in 10 hospitals and medical facilities in the country to support preterm babies, their mothers, and staff of the hospitals.
Tema General Hospital, Nsawam, Korle Bu, ShaiOsudoku, Keta Hospitals, Battor Catholic, Wenchi Hospital,
Bamboi Polyclinic, Banda District Hospital, and Jama Polyclinic are among the facilities she mentioned.
“Items donated included digital thermometers, digital weighing scales, suction machines, pulse oximeters, nasal prongs, baby cots, cot sheets, bedsheets, drip stands, kangaroo mother care clothes, baby wipes, napkins, sanitisers, baby clothing, and cleaning materials, among others,” the advocate mentioned.
Mrs. Mayne-Eghan observed that, in Ghana, most preterm babies do not get adequate care due to lack of space, facilities, and essentials needed to evade infection, which cause death.
She reiterated her commitment with her indefatigable team members at the Jay Foundation to continually aim at reducing the high mortality rate of neonates and maternal mortality in the short term.
By Alfred Nii Arday Ankrah
The prosecution has officially rested its case in The Republic v Solomon Asamoah & Another, the high-profile legal battle commonly referred to as the “Sky Train” case.
The Deputy Attorney General Justice Srem Sai announced the development, praising the state’s team of hard-working prosecutors for successfully anchoring the state’s evidence before the High Court.
The criminal trial centers on the former Chief Executive Officer and the former Board Chairman of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF).
The duo stands accused of illegally authorizing and paying out US$2 million to a foreign company without obtaining board directives or other mandatory statutory approvals.
State investigators have confirmed that the disbursed millions cannot be found.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the accused persons moved the court for an opportunity to file a submission of no case.
The presiding judge granted the application, ordering the defense to submit their arguments by June 8.
The outcome of the June 8 filings will decide the fate of the trial:
With this, if the judge finds the defense’s submission convincing, the accused will be acquitted and discharged however, If the judge dismisses the submission, the court will order the accused officials to take the stand and explain why they should not face prison sentences.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Member of Parliament for Akuapem North, Sammy Awuku, has expressed deep sorrow following the sudden passing of Isaac Batsa, the constituency secretary for the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) lawmaker issued a statement on Tuesday reacting to the news, which has shocked the local political community.
Mr.Awuku praised the late NDC secretary for his bipartisan approach to local governance.
He noted that despite their different political affiliations, Batsa consistently rose above party lines to serve the constituency with diligence.
The MP revealed that the news was particularly shocking given that he had last interacted with Batsa just three days prior on Saturday.
Concluding his statement, Sammy Awuku extended his heartfelt condolences to Batsa’s family, the constituency and regional executives, and the entire NDC fraternity, wishing the deceased peaceful eternal rest.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
