News
Stay away from second-hand smoking, nicotine products
Exposure to second-hand smoking among pregnant women and use of nicotine products have been identified as some of the main causes for birth-related challenges including premature birth, low birth weight, and other adversative health conditions.
Consequently, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has advised pregnant women to totally stay away from tobacco and nicotine products to safeguard their health and that of their unborn babies.
The call was made at a meeting to mark this year’s “World No Tobacco Day” which was observed on Tuesday, with health advocates stressing that pregnancy was a critical period when mothers needed to nurture and protect both themselves and their babies.
According to the Ghana Health Service (GHS), tobacco and nicotine use during pregnancy can have serious consequences, affecting the growth and development of the unborn child while also exposing expectant mothers to health complications.
The service explained that smoking during pregnancy, as well as exposure to second-hand smoke, increases the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, and other adverse health outcomes that can affect both mother and baby.
The warning comes at a time when global efforts are being intensified to raise awareness about the dangers of tobacco and nicotine use under the theme: ‘unmasking the appeal – countering nicotine and tobacco addiction.’
Additionally, GHS noted that while some tobacco and nicotine products are often marketed as attractive or less harmful alternatives, all forms of nicotine remain addictive and pose significant health risks.
It emphasised that creating smoke-free homes and communities was essential in supporting healthy pregnancies and giving children a better start in life.
Families were, therefore, encouraged to support pregnant women by ensuring that homes, workplaces, and public spaces remain free from tobacco smoke and nicotine exposure.
“Pregnancy is a time to nurture and protect both mother and baby. Tobacco and nicotine use during pregnancy can have serious consequences,” the service stated.
Expectant mothers were urged to seek support if they are struggling to quit smoking or using nicotine products, while communities were encouraged to play an active role in promoting healthier lifestyles.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
AngloGold Ashanti Obuasi Mine has broken ground on a modern 1,500-seater multipurpose assembly hall and a secured main gatehouse for New Edubiase Senior High School, in the Adansi South District.
The project, being executed by local contractor AA Engineering and Construction, is expected to be completed within 17 months and forms part of the Mine’s 10-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan (SEDP) — a strategic framework for delivering sustainable development in its host communities.
Beyond the expansive assembly hall, the facility will house a fully integrated administrative complex featuring a dedicated sound room, a 16-seater staff eatery, and suites for the Headmaster and Assistant Headmaster, a bursar’s office, an 18-seater conference room, a 24-seater staff common room, six faculty office spaces and ancillary stores and washrooms.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, the Mine’s Director of Sustainability Management, Edmund Oduro Agyei, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to improving educational outcomes in host communities through impactful and sustainable investments.
The Edubiasehene, Guahyia Oduropanin Birikorang, commended the Mine for the investment, saying the project demonstrated that the company’s development agenda extended well beyond its immediate operational areas.
The Headmaster of New Edubiase SHS, Mr Christopher Appiah Mensah, described the intervention as timely and transformative, noting it would address longstanding infrastructure deficits, improve conditions for teaching and learning, and create adequate space for academic and social gatherings.
“This will greatly enhance administrative efficiency and improve the overall welfare of both staff and students,” he said.
The facility is also expected to boost the school’s capacity to host national examinations and major events, and strengthen its standing as a centre of academic excellence within the district.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
Stakeholders have been urged to help raise awareness and eliminate the stigma often associated with clubfoot, a treatable condition which occurs in children.
Parents are to seek early treatment for the condition while policymakers strengthen support for early detection, disability inclusion, and child health services in the country.
Clubfoot is a condition present at birth in which one or both feet are twisted inward and downward. If left untreated, experts say a child may face lifelong challenges with walking, which could affect education, employment, and social inclusion.
In Ghana, an estimated 1,000 babies are said to be born with clubfoot every year.
In commemoration of the World Clubfoot Day, marked on June 3 every year, stakeholders create awareness about the condition and, among other things, celebrate the dedication of health professionals who ensure children receive treatment.
In a release copied to the Ghana News Agency, Nana Afua Adutwumwaa Adjetey, Programme Manager, Ghana Clubfoot Programme, noted that many families were unaware of the free treatment available for the condition in Ghana. 
She observed that the lack of awareness continued to delay treatment for children who could have received prompt and life-changing care at no cost.
Treatment, she said, was provided free of charge for children under age five at Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG–Hope Walks) partner clinics across the country.
More than 9,000 children born with clubfoot had received treatment and care through the programme over the past 18 years.
“The treatment follows the internationally recognised Ponseti Method, which uses a series of gentle casts to gradually correct the position of the foot, followed by a brace to maintain correction and prevent relapse. When treatment begins early, success rates are extremely high,” Madam Adjetey explained.
“For many children, the journey begins with a health worker who identifies clubfoot at birth and makes a referral. A few moments of observation can change the course of a child’s life forever.”
“Clubfoot is not a curse; it is not caused by wrongdoing…it is a medical condition that can be treated successfully. Families should never feel ashamed to seek help.”
The Programme Manager said children born with the condition deserved equal opportunities, dignity, and inclusion, and called on communities to support parents rather than “judge them.” -GNA
