By Benjamin Makafui Attipoe, Sogakope
The Sogakope Chapter of the Immigration Ladies’ Association (IMMILAC) has organized a health symposium on women’s reproductive health as part of activities marking its belated Mothers’ Day celebration, with health experts urging women to prioritize regular medical screening and early treatment of gynaecological conditions.
The programme, held at the Shekinah Royal City at Hlevi near Sogakope in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region, brought together members of the association, officers and men of the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS), health professionals, stakeholders and invited guests.
The symposium focused on two major topics—Gynaecological Health and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), now referred to as Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovary Syndrome (PMOS)—with participants receiving extensive education on the causes, symptoms, prevention and management of the conditions.
The event formed part of IMMILAC’s efforts to celebrate and appreciate female officers of the GIS while creating awareness on critical health issues affecting women, particularly those serving in uniformed institutions.
The gathering attracted the full membership of IMMILAC and was supported by several male officers who attended to encourage their female colleagues to continue excelling in their dual roles as security personnel and mothers.
The officers and men of the Sogakope District Command of the Ghana Immigration Service, led by the District Commander, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI) David Abakisi, were also present.
Delivering a presentation on PMOS, an Obstetrician-Gynaecologist and Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Unit of the South Tongu District Hospital, Dr. Eleazar Blasu, explained that the condition has become increasingly common among women in recent years. According to him, PMOS, formerly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), is a hormonal disorder that affects menstrual cycles, fertility and overall reproductive health.
Dr. Blasu emphasized the importance of early diagnosis and treatment, noting that women who receive timely medical intervention have better health outcomes. He stated that appropriate therapy significantly reduces the risk of diabetes and endocrine-related cancers while improving fertility and helping women regulate their menstrual cycles.
The medical specialist therefore urged members of IMMILAC and women generally to pay equal attention to their reproductive and menstrual health, stressing that early medical attention remains key to successful management of the condition.
Speaking on broader gynaecological health issues, an Oncology Nurse Specialist at the South Tongu District Hospital, Ms. Mawuena Esi Adjei, educated participants on menstrual health, common pelvic diseases and some warning signs associated with reproductive health complications. She advised women to maintain healthy lifestyles by staying adequately hydrated, wearing comfortable clothing and avoiding prolonged periods of sitting.
Ms. Adjei also encouraged regular cervical cancer screening and testing for the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), emphasizing that early detection remains one of the most effective ways of preventing serious health complications.
In his welcome address, ACI David Abakisi commended the leadership and members of IMMILAC for organizing the programme and selecting a topic that directly impacts the lives of women. He described the symposium as more than just a conversation, saying it served as a call to action for women to take charge of their health and wellbeing. “PMOS affects millions of women worldwide and has implications for fertility, mental health, emotional wellbeing and long-term health outcomes,” he noted.
ACI Abakisi further praised IMMILAC for the support it has consistently provided to female officers and their families since its establishment and encouraged members to continue fostering unity, teamwork and professionalism among their rank and file.
The Member of Parliament (MP) for the South Tongu Constituency, Hon. Maxwell Kwame Lukutor, who addressed the participants via Zoom from Parliament House in Accra, pledged his continuous support to the Immigration Ladies’ Association (IMMILAC) and the Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) in the area to enable them excel in the discharge of their duties.
He urged members of IMMILAC to regard the women traders they encounter at checkpoints, particularly at Sogakope and other locations, not only as sisters but also as individuals who deserve encouragement and motivation. He emphasized the need for the officers to serve as role models and inspire these women to aspire to greater heights.
In his words of encouragement and advice to the participants, Assistant Commissioner of Immigration (ACI), Abubakar Abdulai Iddrisu, advised the women to take their marriages seriously. According to him, while it is important for the officers to uphold and protect the image of the GIS, maintaining healthy marriages is equally vital as it positively influences personal conduct and professional performance.
Chief Superintendent Bishop Cudjoe Fiadzo urged the officers and men to remain civil, professional and diligent in the execution of their responsibilities to the public and the state. He also encouraged members of IMMILAC to pursue higher academic qualifications and professional development courses in order to enhance their knowledge, skills and career prospects.
Superintendent Stephen Adjei reminded the women to prioritize their health and wellbeing. He also advised the officers to pay adequate attention to their physical, emotional and psychological wellbeing before reporting for duty each day.
The President of IMMILAC, DSI Millicent Tan, reminded members that “their health is their wealth.” She pledged the association’s commitment to partnering with health professionals to organize regular health screenings, educational talks and counselling sessions aimed at improving the wellbeing of members.
In a touching tribute, the Vice President of the Association, DSI Erica Esi Doudoo, presented a poem titled “Celebrating Women in the GIS.” In the poem, she described her colleagues as resilient, unique and hardworking women who continue to make sacrifices to keep their families united while serving their country diligently in various capacities within the service.
The Chief Executive Officer of Shekina Royal City and Hotels, Mr. Maxwell Amekpor, who chaired the function, stressed the need for closer collaboration between his organization and the management of the Ghana Immigration Service. He proposed the organization of health walks, aerobics sessions and other wellness activities aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles among the officers and men of the Service.
As part of the celebration, a Mother’s Day cake was cut to commemorate the occasion. The gathering was also entertained by a cultural performance from the Sogakope Basic School Cultural Troupe.
The Mother’s Day celebration was organized not only to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions of mothers and female officers within the GIS and the wider community, but also to create a platform for addressing critical health issues affecting women in uniform, including mental wellbeing and reproductive health.
The event further provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on their dual roles as mothers and national security officers while inspiring the next generation of female leaders in uniformed service.
