Fredrica Hanson, the leader of the International Conference of Midwives, has urged the government to intensify the fight against illegal mining and help protect the country's water bodies.
She said water plays a critical role in the delivery of newborns; hence, there is a need to safeguard water resources to ensure a reliable supply to health facilities. "We need the moral and political will to enforce the laws against illegal mining…babies are being born with deformities and there are still births in most facilities," she noted.
Mrs Hanson made the call in her presentation on the topic: "The State of Midwifery in Crisis Situation in Ghana: Challenges and Opportunities." The lecture preceded the National Celebration of International Midwives Day in Takoradi in the Western Region.
The health professional highlighted challenges, including a lack of skilled personnel, poor working conditions, attitude of staff, and non-emergency preparedness, as some setbacks to Midwifery practice in Ghana.
