Men in Upper East refuse family methods for their wives

Mirigu (U/E), Oct 31, GNA- Some men in Mirigu and Kandiga communities in the Kassena-Nankana District have vowed never to allow their wives to use any contraceptives to delay child bearing. The irony, however, is that the men patronize condom but do not use them during intercourse with their wives. They rather use them when they meet new girlfriends.

A midwife at the Kandiga/Mirigu Health Centre, Madam George Hawawu, told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) in an interview that the centre is finding it difficult to change the perception of the men about family planning in the area.

She said the domineering position of the men in the communities is partly responsible for the conservative attitude they have adopted on issues concerning contraceptive use and family planning.

Madam Hawawu said some of the men even beat their wives when they find out that the women have resorted to family planning.

She said "most of the men migrate during the dry-season to southern Ghana in search of work and are determined to 'leave marks' on either pregnant or breastfeeding wives as a way of ensuring that their women remain faithful to them."

Mad Hamawu said some women in the community whose husbands remain adamant over the issue sneak to take the three-month duration vials. The midwife said several strategies have been applied to change the men's attitude towards family planning but all seem to have proved fruitless.

She appealed to the men to accept the practice, adding that it would help them raise their children in a more acceptable and humane manner.