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Specialist’s advice: Allow couples to have children at their convenience
● Dr. Francisca Tshitenge Bwalya
The decision to meddle in people’s marriages with specific demands or directives that sometimes result in breaking up marriages has done more harm to society than good.
While some have quietly gone through promptings and insults, others could not withstand the pressure and have died.
The decision by a couple not to have children or to wait for a convenient time to do so should be respected by society, according to consultant psychiatrist Dr. Francisca Tshitenge Bwalya.
She observed that, sadly, people ask questions even a month after marriage and comment on physical changes in women, the most prominent of which is a weight gain.
Dr. Bwalya noted that this behaviour, whether known or unknown to those who do so, puts a lot of stress on women, which has also extended to men.
“Usually the comments from such persons are very touching and degrading,” she said.
Dr. Bwalya said the external interference with time reduced the self-esteem of people, made them feel like failures, caused depression and guilt, developed fear and anxiety, and other negative tendencies that could even affect them later in life when they are ready to conceive.
She made the statement at a virtual health training for the media organised by the Merck Foundation in partnership with the First Lady, Mrs. Rebecca Akufo-Addo, an Ambassador for the Merck Foundation’s “More than a Mother” campaign, and the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA).
The training was aimed at emphasising the important role the media plays in influencing society to create a cultural shift with the aim of breaking the stigma of infertility, among other issues.
The Consultant Psychiatrist said it was about time people appreciated that having a child was a huge responsibility and so needed preparations that included psychological, physical, and financial considerations, among others, and that these should ideally be the sole decision of a couple and not the society.
She observed that the thought of voluntary childfree status was not culturally accepted, but there was a need for the discussion about such decisions to be given much attention, as people deserved to be accorded the needed respect when they made such choices.
Dr. Bwalya said it was worth highlighting that women had a lot in them to contribute in diverse ways to building society, and so they should not be reduced to just having babies.
She said if a woman could not have a baby, she should not be seen as a failure by her community, but the value she was adding to society should be given much attention and celebrated.
Dr. Bwalya, therefore, called on the media to champion the campaign to change the narrative.
By Dzifa Tetteh Tay.
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Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation –Pres.Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has expressed concern over the misuse of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) for personal financial gain by individuals in leadership positions.
Speaking during a meeting with Chief Executives of specified entities under the State Interest and Governance Authority (SIGA) on Thursday, March 13, the President directly attributed the dire state of SOEs to their leadership, accusing chief executives, management teams, and governing boards of prioritising personal enrichment over organisational efficiency.
He pointed to bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures as factors draining public funds while SOEs continue to rely on government bailouts.
“Many SOEs have been used as mere instruments for personal wealth accumulation by appointees. The chief executives, management, and boards of these enterprises are responsible for this situation. Some SOEs have become perennial loss-makers, draining public funds with bloated budgets, unjustified allowances, and unnecessary expenditures while relying on government bailouts as if entitled to them. Many of these entities are at their lowest point in the entire history of the Fourth Republic,” he said.
President Mahama further noted that many SOEs have been plagued by inefficiencies, corruption, and mismanagement, leading to consistent financial losses. He cited the 2023 State Ownership Report by the State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA), which highlighted systemic inefficiencies and wasteful expenditures within these entities.
He therefore reaffirmed his commitment to reforming under-performing SOEs and ensuring they serve national interests.
He warned that loss-making SOEs will no longer be tolerated and will either be merged, privatised, or closed.
“I will assess you based on your performance. If you do not align with the pace of the reset agenda, you may be asked to step aside. If that adds to the horror movie, so be it,” he added.
Source: Myjoyonline.com
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Prophet Courage Heavens set to launch ‘Predestination’ book on March 23
Prophet Courage A. Heavens is set to launch the much-awaited book titled ‘Predestination’ on Sunday, March 23, 2025 at 5:00PM.
The launch, which is expected to impact lives, will take place at Crossgates Ministries, Flattop, off N1 Highway, opposite Angel Hauz.
The book is aimed at addressing the way people struggle to understand how free will and destiny align.
It is also aimed at providing clarity on God’s sovereignty and one’s place in His divine plan.
The various chapters of the book address various issues through scriptures and personal stories.
Committed to impacting society, part of the proceeds from the book will go into Courage Heavens Education Legacy (CHEL), an educational foundation transforming lives.
CHEL is dedicated to providing financial support and mentorship to brilliant but needy students, ensuring they have access to quality education and opportunities for a better future.
Prophet Courage Heavens is a prolific writer and previously authored Eli Eli Lama Sabachthani, a powerful book that encourages unwavering faith in times of trials.
In addition, he has written seven more prophetic and life-changing books that are yet to be published.
He is dedicated to raising the next generation for impactful ministry. As the leader of Crossgates Ministries, he nurtures believers in faith and purpose.
