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Same-sex children not abominable – father of five girls
For some members of the public, having same sex children is considered a “misfortune” or something “unacceptable” and so some people are quick to either call parents who have such children names or look down upon them.
But no couple has control over what God has predestined.
The situation is more terrible for couples who have given birth to only girls compared with those who have all boys.
This has even led to some couples having more children than they initially planned in their attempt to have a child of another sex to avoid public ridicule.
“Some people claim that it is only womanisers who give birth to only girls” Mr Prince Debrah, a father of five girls disclosed this in an interview with The Spectator on Wednesday.
He said some people were quick to pass unpleasant comments and constantly criticise such couples “as if it is their fault to produce only girls”.
“I am sure before any couple got married they didn’t know whether they would have all males or all females or mixed children ” he said.
Mr. Debrah who has been married for 16 years said it was sad that sometimes people even verbally attacked the girls and made them feel they were not part of the society.
He said that such constant criticism of couples was a form of emotional abuse which the public must desist from.
He said some men had divorced their partners or shirked their responsibilities as fathers because of such unpleasant comments from people.
The 48-year-old man encouraged couples with same sex children especially girls, to see them as a blessing and work hard to educate them to become responsible citizens “because what a man can do a woman can do it better”.
“I have decided to give all my five daughters good education to make them know that they are a blessing to my wife and I as well as the society so they should take their studies seriously and give of their best to make every family member proud” he said.
From Dzifa Tetteh Tay, Tema.
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ASWIM lauds Prof Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang
The Association of Women in the Media, (ASWIM) has congratulated Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang on her historic achievement as Ghana’s first female Vice President.
The association said her trailblazing journey with sterling accomplishments from academia to politics, is undoubtedly, a vivid inspiration to countless women and girls across Ghana and Africa.
This was contained in a statement signed by its president, Mrs Mavis Kitcher, and copied to The Spectator on Tuesday in Accra.
“ASWIM celebrates your remarkable career, marked by numerous firsts, including the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Coast, (UCC), and the first female to hold a professional chair in Ghana, (UCC),” the statement said.
It said the accomplishments of Prof Opoku- Agyemang were clear testament to the brilliance, resilience and resourceful nature of the complete beautiful African woman.
“As she takes on this new role, ASWIM proudly lauds her commitment to education, women’s empowerment, distinguished public service and patriotism and is very confident that her pursuit of excellence, love for humanity, humility, decency, modesty and commitment to the welfare of the vulnerable will characterise Ghana’s political leadership and public service,” the statement added.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
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.
