All social developments issues including girls’ education is a critical element in limiting unplanned and adolescent pregnancies, says Prof Fred T Sai. He was speaking at his 95th birthday celebration held at the Labadi Beach Hotel in Accra on the 23rd of June 2019.
The 95th year anniversary celebration was put together by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in collaboration with the Government of Ghana to celebrate this national legend, who- for over fifty years- campaigned and advocated for gender equality and empowerment of women family planning policies in Ghana, and to ride on the celebrations in revamping the ICPD Agenda in the country.
In attendance to grace the occasion was the President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, his wife the First Lady, Rebecca Akufo Addo, the Executive Director of UNFPA, Dr. Natalia Kanem, the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana H. E. Dr. Heather Cameron and relevant development partners.
Dr. Kanem, in a keynote address stated that “Professor Sai is a man who demonstrated strong passion, advocating for issues that embodies the Cairo agenda and encapsulates UNFPA’s three transformative goals- end preventable maternal death, end unmet need for family planning and end gender-based violence and harmful practices.
The Canadian Ambassador, Heather Cameron, in her speech said that the Canadian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to make gender equality a reality for everyone. She mentioned that her government was committed to raising 1.4 billion dollars annually to support women and girls’ issues, as well as youth empowerment. She further emphasized that young people’s choices are critical to achieving the SDGs.
Prof Sai admonished the audience gathered to celebrate him, and emphasized: “As we push for gender equality, we should ensure equality with equity, because without equity the fight for gender equality is not right”. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Executive Director of UNFPA Dr Natalia Kanem for the honour done him.
He raised concerns about the lack of male accountability in relation to teenage pregnancies. “There are still too many young women and girls being left to deal with pregnancies and supporting infant and growing children without the support of a partner. I think it is time we take the trouble to make men pay their dues”, he noted.
Professor Sai urged all leaders including the President of Ghana to pursue strengthening the rights of women, considering that, it is largely the political leadership that can make the change for every woman to have full rights to their sexual and reproductive health.
A performance by the Roverman Production dramatized the works of Prof. Sai with emphasis on the ICPD agenda in a traditional folklore setting, with an intriguing plot, filled with music, dance and humour.
