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‘Obstetric fistula requires attention amidst COVID-19’
As medical practitioners are working tirelessly to curb the spread of COVID-19, health professionals have once again drawn attention to the plight of poor women living with obstetric fistula in the country.
They indicate that it is important to continue to create awareness of the disease and its devastating effect on women.
Prof. Anyetei T. Lassey,Professor in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Ghana Medical School believes “we mustprioritise and improve maternal health services” to prevent pregnancy and labour complications including obstetric fistula during the pandemic.”
According to him, the associated “stigma and shame” of the disease were horrendous hence the need to join hands and strengthen the partnership in the fight against obstetric fistula.
“Ensuring the continuity of maternal health services in the midst of COVID-19 may hopefully reduce the incidence of obstetric fistula in Ghana, while the National Obstetric Fistula Task Team and the Ghana Health Service, continue to repair the backlog of unrepaired already existing fistula cases.” he said.
Speaking to The Spectator, he stressed the need to end gender and health inequalities to help achieve global and national objective of ending fistula by 2030, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
Madam Rose Mantey, Senior Nursing Officer and Midwife in-charge of the Fistula Centre of Mercy Women’s Hospital, Mankessim, in the Central Region, also indicated that those with the condition “deserve our respect and empathy.”
“As a Senior Nursing Officer, I have worked with so many women and girls with obstetric fistula and I would not wish this condition on anyone.
“It is a humiliating condition. My prayer is that everyone with obstetric fistula would be repaired to help clear the backlog of existing cases in the country,” she said.
She said that most pregnant women and girls were apprehensive about accessing maternal health services due to the fear of COVID-19.
That, she said, could increase the probability of prolonged or undetected obstructed labour, which could increase cases of obstetric fistula.
“We need to encourage all pregnant women and girls to seek the services of a skilled birth attendant amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is my wish people become aware of this condition and we all work hard to prevent them from happening in the first place, so that in the near future Ghana would no longer report cases of obstetric fistula,” she added.
Dr Patrick Kuma-Aboagye, Director General of the Ghana Health Service, commenting on the subject, also admittedwomen and girls “silently suffer indignity and shame simply because they have obstetric fistula.”
“Their sufferings push us to continue to put measures in place to prevent others from developing this devastating childbirth-related complication amidst the fight against coronavirus pandemic.
“My outfit will ensure the continuity of the provision of essential health services, which included sexual and reproductive health services for all amid the fight against COVID-19,” he said.
He stated Ghanaians especially women should not lose sight of the gains made by the Ghana Health Service and development partners in preventing and managing fistula cases.
“I encourage everyone to access maternal health services to ensure that complications such as obstetric fistula are prevented while adhering to the mandatory precautionary procedures of handwashing, using hand sanitisers, wearing nose masks and observing physical distancing,” he said.
By Geoffrey Buta
Entertainment
Demolition of Fantasy Dome unfair — Mark Okraku-Mantey
Months after the Fantasy Dome was dismantled to make way for construction at the Ghana International Trade Fair site, the Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr Mark Okraku-Mantey, has expressed concern over the manner the facility was destroyed.
In an interview on Daybreak Hitz with Andy Dosty, Mr Okraku-Mantey criticised the handling of the dome’s dismantling, suggesting that it could have been done without causing damage.
“I don’t think that leadership gave instructions that they should do what happened. The structure was a prefab but I hear the people destroyed it. That one, we cannot defend it. It is unfair to him (owner). Sometimes, you give instructions and people will go and do things that will make you look bad,” he stated.
When asked about any punitive measure against the workers responsible for the destruction, Mr Okraku-Mantey clarified that the Trade Fair does not fall under his ministry.
He said he had previously contacted the owner, Leslie Quaynor, to discuss relocating the dome, and even suggested the National Museum as a potential site, though it was too small.
The demolition of the 20,000-seater Fantasy Dome occurred on March 16, 2024.
According to Dr Agnes Adu, CEO of the Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, the action was taken after multiple notices were given to Quaynor to vacate the premises for redevelopment, as per their tenancy agreement.
Dr Adu noted that all previous tenants had complied except for the Fantasy Dome.
Quaynor, in an interview with JoyNews, confirmed that his lease had ended, and was in the process of relocating the dome.
He had requested an extension, which was denied, leading him to seek a writ and an injunction from an Accra High Court to halt the demolition.
Despite this, the demolition proceeded, causing significant damage to the structure.
Quaynor described the incident as a major setback, not only for his business but also for the entertainment industry, which relies on venues like the Fantasy Dome.
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Youth urged to take proactive stance on ozone depletion
•Mr Joseph Amankwah, first counting from, some officials from EPA and UNDP in group picture with the student
Mr Joseph Amankwah, the Director of Ozone Layer and Climate Change at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), has urged the youth to take a proactive stance on issues related to ozone depletion, emphasising that their future would be most affected by its consequences.
Speaking during a student engagement event at the Ghana Secondary School (GHANASS) in Koforidua, he highlighted the critical role young people played in tackling climate-related challenges.
Mr Amankwah explained that human activities, such as the use of certain chemicals, were significantly contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer and driving climate change.
He said it was important to educate the youth on these issues, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their families to foster a broader understanding and active participation in climate action.
He urged the education sector to integrate lessons on the ozone layer, the causes of its depletion, and its links to climate change into the curriculum.
The event, organised by the EPA in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), was designed to foster environmental awareness and promote a sense of responsibility among young people.
Mr Amankwah noted that ozone layer depletion was affecting everyone, including children, as it alters weather patterns and threatens the natural environment.
He highlighted the need for young people to develop ‘green skills’ to adapt to the challenges of climate change and to understand ways to combat it.
He added that World Ozone Day, observed every September, would focus on youth engagement in environmental issues, to help them understand the long-term consequences of ozone depletion and climate change.
Mr Amankwah also discussed the harmful impact of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), a major chemical contributor to ozone depletion.
He explained that household appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioners were common sources of CFC emissions in Ghana.
Many uncertified technicians work on these appliances, often releasing harmful chemicals into the atmosphere due to improper handling, he noted.
To address this, he urged appliance repairers to obtain proper certification and training, emphasising that unqualified repairs not only harm the environment but also endangered public health.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman,
Koforidua
