Kumasi: The former General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God Church and former President of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic Council (GPCC), Rev. Professor Paul Frimpong Manso, has called for increased support for preterm babies, emphasizing that they should not be left to die due to inadequate facilities or life-saving equipment.
According to Ghana Web, Rev. Prof. Frimpong Manso shared his personal experience as a premature birth survivor to highlight the potential of preterm children if properly cared for. During a visit to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, where he was born, he delivered a message of hope to mothers and children at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
Reflecting on the hospital's evolution, Rev. Prof. Frimpong Manso noted the contrast between the old facilities of his birth and the modern Baby Care Unit. He recounted being nicknamed by family members due to his premature birth and the extended hospital stay he endured to survive.
Rev. Prof. Frimpong Manso expressed concern over the hospital's lack of life-saving equipment, given its role as a referral center for 12 regions, especially in handling preterm cases. In celebration of his birthday, he donated two incubators and contributed GhS20,000 in cash to support the baby unit, following an earlier funding of the NICU's repainting.
He emphasized his motivation to aid modern-day infants facing similar survival struggles due to equipment shortages. Discussing this vision with his wife, they decided to support the neonatal unit by purchasing incubators.
Determined to be an ambassador for this cause, Rev. Prof. Frimpong Manso urged individuals, philanthropists, churches, and corporate bodies to join him in ensuring no child dies due to premature birth. He acknowledged his limited resources but stressed the importance of collective responsibility in this mission.
Professor Dr. Sampson Antwi, Head of the Childcare Department at the Komfo Anokye Medical School, expressed gratitude for the Rev. Minister's benevolence. He highlighted the facility's constant need for equipment, given its role as a referral unit for preterm babies, despite having skilled doctors.
Dr. Antwi also appealed to pregnant women to attend regular antenatal clinics to avoid complications leading to premature births. He emphasized that conditions like anemia and hypertension need monitoring to prevent preterm births and associated health challenges.