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Exercise regularly to boost sexual drive, married women told
Instructor Paa Kwasi Siaw Ankomah, Founday Peekay Fitness Group
When it comes to achieving sexual satisfaction, most married women have no idea that physical exercise play a huge role in getting that wonderful experience in their bedrooms.
Yet, Paa Kwasi Siaw Ankomah, a fitness instructor and founder of the Peekay Fitness Group in Koforidua, sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of marital life – how physical fitness directly impacts sexual satisfaction for married women.
Speaking to The Spectator in an exclusive interview, Mr Ankomah shared his concerns about the growing number of women who neglect exercise, leading to diminished libido and difficulty achieving orgasm.
According to him, these issues were contributing factors to infidelity and divorce, problems that were increasingly prevalent in the country.
M. Ankomah explained that many women experienced a shift in priorities once they get married, especially after having children, adding that the demands of both home and work life often led them to de-prioritise their sexual health and intimacy with their husbands.
This neglect, he warned, has far-reaching consequences, including a decrease in sexual desire and satisfaction, which can strain marital relationships.
The instructor emphasised that a sedentary lifestyle, which was common among many married women, significantly impacts their sexual health.
He pointed out that many women are enduring unhappy marriages, staying only for the sake of their children, rather than thriving in relationships marked by mutual satisfaction and joy.
He explained that the lack of regular exercise could lead to a decrease in testosterone levels, a hormone essential for sexual desire, weakening of the pelvic floor muscles, and reduced blood flow, all of which make it more challenging to achieve orgasm.
Additionally, the stress that often accompanied a lack of physical activity can further diminish sexual health.
Mr Ankomah suggested that these unspoken truths needed to be addressed to improve the quality of many marriages.
One of the key ways to do this, he argued, was by encouraging married women to incorporate routine exercises into their lives, and noted that exercise can have a transformative impact on sexual drive, boosting interest in sexual activities and enhancing overall well-being.
“Regular physical activity improves circulation, which is crucial for boosting blood flow to the genitals and enhancing sexual arousal. It also releases endorphins, which elevate mood and reduce stress, both essential for a healthy sex drive. Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through exercise can also play a critical role in improving orgasmic function.”
Mr Ankomah further proposed that efforts to empower women should extend beyond political and economic spheres to include their sexual health.
He suggested the creation of empowerment fitness clubs, where women could come together to focus on their physical and sexual health, ensuring that they remained active and satisfied in their marriages.
Mr Ankomah noted that by prioritising their physical health, married women can enhance their sexual satisfaction, leading to happier, more fulfilling marriages.
By Ama Takyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman
News
Oguaa indigenes urged to unite to develop area
Photo Credit: myjoyonline.com
Rich Akan traditions of Fantes and Asantes were the highlights of the celebrations of this year’s Fetu Afahye of the chiefs and people of Oguaa Traditional Area (Cape Coast) which was climaxed last Saturday with a durbar.
Beyond the glitz and splendour was the showcasing of different forms of traditional regalia amidst rich cultural displays of unique Fante and Asante ensembles, both demonstrating distinct Ghanaian identities in unanimity.
Tekua, a Fante traditional hairstyle won by a generation of Fante women caught the attention of a number of the celebrants.
The attendance of Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, took the joy and excitement a notch higher with frenzied atmosphere to welcome him.
The Asantehene who attended the programme by a special invitation from the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area was accompanied by a large retinue of chiefs from Asanteman.
The Fetu Afahye is a cultural celebration by the people of Oguaa, drawing both locals and visitors from across the country and beyond.
It was held to mark a bumper harvest season and to thank the 77 deities of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
This year’s edition marks the 60th to be held after its suspension.
It also marked the 25th anniversary commemoration of the enthronement of Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II as the Omanhen of the Oguaa Traditional Area.
There was display of rich traditional dances by the various Asafo companies from the Mfantsipim School junction to the Jubilee Park for the durbar.
This year’s event attracted political figures such as Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, who doubles as the Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and his running mate, Dr Matthew Opoku Prempeh and other leading figures of the party.
The Vice Presidential Candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang and other leading members of the NDC also attended the event.
From David O. Yarboi-Tetteh, Cape Coast
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News
Suicide cases high among JHS/SHS students: MHA calls for immediate action to curb menace
The Mental Health Authority (MHA) is calling for immediate solutions to address the alarming prevalence of suicide cases among Junior and Senior High School students.
According to the Authority, it was crucial to pay attention to such children as studies in Ghana are showing a high prevalence of suicidal behaviours among students.
This came to light at a symposium in Accra on Tuesday to mark the World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD).
It was held on the theme “Changing the narrative on suicide with a call to action; start the conversation.”
Speaking at the symposium, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Authority, Professor Pinaman Appau said alarmingly, the prevalence has been reported to be higher among Junior High School students compared to those in the Senior High School.
She said various studies including a 2023 edition conducted by Azazu and Joe found that there was prevalence of 20.4 per cent of suicidal thoughts, 23.4 per cent for suicidal planning, and 28.4 per cent for actual suicide attempts among these groups of school children.
She mentioned bullying, abuse especially physical and sexual, neglect, substance use, family poverty, adolescent conflict with parents, corporal punishment and poor academic performance as causes leading to suicidal thoughts.
Again, factors including previous attempts, mental illness, gambling, financial and job crisis, chronic illness and pain, criminal or legal and impulsive behaviour can also lead to suicide.
Prof Appau said the challenges faced with addressing suicide issues were multifaceted and complex, adding that people grapple with stigma surrounding mental health issues, limited access to mental health services and a lack of general awareness of suicide prevention strategies.
She said the challenges were further compounded by deepening socio-economic challenges in societies such as the harsh reality of economic hardship, unemployment and social instability.
Dr Appau mentioned that the rippling effect of suicide leaves behind a trail of grief, guilt, and unanswered questions, saying, the economic cost of suicide attempts in terms of health care expenses and loss of productivity places additional burden on the country’s strained resources.
She said a total of 81 persons have committed suicide in 2024 with 543 attempts across the country, adding that the figure indicates an alarming increase compared to the 594 attempts and 48 completed cases recorded in 2023.
Regionally, Greater Accra, Eastern and Central regions recorded the highest numbers of suicide attempts for the first half of the year 2024, with most completed suicides occurring in the Greater Accra region.
Prof Appau has therefore called for a concerted effort to resolve and change the narrative by engaging stakeholders including security and media personnel, to create nationwide awareness and education through various media platforms.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
