News
Seek medical rather than spiritual care for children with signs of disability
Parents and family members have been cautioned against the practice of consulting spiritualists instead of Specialists when they see signs of disability in their children.
A 42-year-old deaf student of the GH Media School, Miss Nukunu Akusika Deku said swift medical attention could save such children from permanently becoming disabled.
In an interview with The Spectator through a questionnaire, she blamed the society for making many children disabled because some parents had spent much time seeking spiritual attention rather than medical attention.
Ms Deku said some conditions needed either surgery, physiotherapy, one form of treatment or guidance to correct the defect but some parents instead devoted their time and money moving from one place to the other seeking spiritual help and came to the hospital as the last resort when the situation had worsened.
She disclosed that she was not born deaf but at the age of two, she fell and in the process hit her forehead on the floor resulting in her deafness.
She was of the opinion that if her parents had concentrated much in getting her the needed specialist attention, she could have escaped her current disability, “even though my family tried hard for me”.
The GH Media student said she was not against seeking spiritual help but medical attention was equally key because God could send the solution through the doctors.
“We also deserve love and care because it is not a choice we made. Disability could also happen to anybody regardless of age, sex or status in society,” she emphasised.
She said empowerment of disabled children was critical because it made them confident and as well gave them the opportunity to also contribute their quota to society.
Ms Deku was of the view that the society would rob itself of talents if disabled persons were discarded because they also had what it takes to help in the development of their communities.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema.
The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) has held its Fourth Quarter Ministerial Advisory Board Meeting to review progress, discuss key policy matters, and strengthen collaboration towards achieving its strategic goals.
The meeting brought together members of the Advisory Board, which was set up under Section 39 of the Civil Service Act, 1993 (PNDCL 327), and the Civil Service (Ministerial Advisory Board) Regulations, 2010 (L.I. 1961).
The Board serves as a platform for continuous engagement between the Ministry and its stakeholders.
Its role is to advise the sector Minister on policy planning and implementation, while ensuring that programmes on gender, social protection, and child welfare align with national priorities and government development goals.
The Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, commended the Board for its consistent support and technical guidance in advancing the Ministry’s mandate.
She noted that the Ministry’s work in promoting gender equality, protecting the vulnerable, and ensuring the welfare of children and families depends on strong policies and effective partnerships.
Dr. Lartey stressed that the Advisory Board plays an important role in helping the Ministry deliver its mission in a sustainable and impactful way.
A major highlight of the meeting was a presentation on the Ministry’s achievements so far this year, followed by discussions on future policy direction and strategic focus areas.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has been unanimously elected as the Chairperson of the Africa Geopolitical Group of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).
The election took place on October 19, 2025, during the ongoing 151st IPU Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland. His victory places Ghana at the center of continental and global parliamentary diplomacy.
With this new role, Speaker Bagbin will coordinate and harmonize Africa’s collective positions on major IPU decisions and policies.
He will also serve as the continent’s chief representative on key issues such as governance, peace, security, and sustainable development.
Speaker Bagbin currently serves as the President of the Conference of Speakers and Presidents of African Legislatures (COSPAL) and is the immediate past Chairman of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) International.
In his remarks after the election, he thanked African delegations for their confidence and unity, particularly commending Nigeria for seconding his nomination and Senegal for withdrawing its candidate in the spirit of cooperation.
He pledged to strengthen collaboration among African parliaments and promote transparency, democratic governance, and sustainable development through stronger legislative institutions.
He succeeds Ms. Angela Thokozile Didiza, Speaker of South Africa’s National Assembly, who served with distinction.
The Africa Geopolitical Group, formed in the early 1950s, serves as a continental branch of the IPU, ensuring fair representation of African countries in the Union’s committees and decision-making bodies.
It also coordinates Africa’s common positions on major parliamentary issues discussed at IPU assemblies.
By: Jacob Aggrey
