A father of a sickle cell patient is calling on the government to legislate a mandatory genotype checks for would-be couples. This, he says, is the only means to eradicate the disease from society.
Sharing his experience on TV3’s NewDay on Friday, June 19, 2026, marking World Sickle Cell Day, Rev. Robert Afful advised marriage stakeholders to ensure potential couples get tested to avoid having children with the disease.
He implored the government to back it with a legislation to make it compulsory.
“I am using this platform to advise my colleague pastors, chiefs, and even if the President could put it in the constitution that any pastor who is about to officiate a marriage should ensure the would-be couple have tested to see they can’t give birth to an SS.
“Our chiefs and all marriage stakeholders should advise potential couples to get tested to eradicate t he disease,” he advocated in Twi.
Meanwhile, Rev. Sandra Afful, mother of the sickle cell patient and wife of Rev. Afful, advised those stigmatising sickle cell patients to stop. She said the disease is neither deadly nor contagious, stressing that carriers need love, instead of stigma.
“It is not a deadly or contagious disease where you’ll contract it by getting contact with people with it. Let’s stop the stigma and share the love,” she stated.
On her part, a public health professional and paediatric resident, Dr. Abigail Amankwa-Boateng, speaking on the same show advised carriers to seek treatment to elongate their lives.
Dr. Abigail Amankwa-Boateng, a public health professional and paediatric resident, also advised carriers to seek treatment to live longer. She said life expectancy has improved over the years, citing people with the disease excelling in various professions.
“In 1970, the average life expectancy for them was around age 14. But now we have a lot of adults who are living with the disease. I know a lot of lawyers, entrepreneurs, doctors, who are doing so well because they are on appropriate treatment and they are also compliant and have the right family and societal support,” she indicated.
About sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder affecting hemoglobin production, causing red blood cells to be misshapen (like sickles) and break down prematurely. This leads to anemia, pain crises, and potential organ damage.
Common symptoms include severe pain, fatigue, and increased infection risk. Management of the disease focuses on alleviating symptoms, preventing complications, and improving quality of life.
A person becomes a sickle cell carrier (HbAS) by inheriting one sickle cell gene (HbS) from one parent and a normal gene (HbA) from the other. This is also known as having the sickle cell trait. Carriers typically don’t have symptoms but can pass the HbS gene to their kids
In Ghana, it is estimated that about 2% of the population carry the trait.
Sickle Cell Disease: Couples urged to check Genotype before marriage
