Prof Sai celebrated

BY Rosemary Ardayfio

Prof. Fred T. Sai, the renowned reproductive rights advocate has been celebrated by delegates who attended the just ended “Keeping our promise” conference to address unsafe abortion in Africa for devoting his life towards championing the course of women’s reproductive health.

At a Gala dinner organised as part of the conference, speaker upon speaker extolled the leadership role Prof Sai had taken in the crusade to promote reproductive rights globally and particularly in Africa for many years.

At the event, a book written by Prof Sai’s book, “Heart and Voice”, which tells the story of his life and work was also unveiled.

In his remarks, Tewodros Melesse, Regional Director, International Planned Parenthood Federation, (IPPF) said Prof Sai many of those engaged in the movement to care and fight for women,s rights need to follow the example of Prof Sai.
“He has shown that we should not only expect others to care about us, we should care about ourselves” said Melesse.

He stated further that Prof. Sai has been more than an African, standing out as a global citizen with a caring voice.

Dr. Eunice Brookman-Amissah, Ipas Vice President for Africa also described Prof Sai as a mentor, not only for her but for many who are now seen as leaders in the crusade for reproductive health.

She indicated that Prof Sai’s passion for the course he believed has infected many people and his contribution will be remembered for a long time.
Prof. Agyeman Badu Akosa, who is also a champion for reproductive rights described Prof. Sai as a Phenomenal human being.

“He started his crusade by promoting proper nutrition. He took that straight on and worked boldly in that area”, said Prof Akosa.

Prof Sai, he said, also worked hard n the area of population with the belief that if a population is not well managed the end result will be poverty.

Another speaker, Prof Andrew Arkutu, chairman of the National Population Council commeded Prof Sai for being “the guiding light of a movement started about 50 years ago.

Prof. Sai’s tireless efforts, he said, is a direct result of the gains achieved in the broad area of reproductive health.
In his response, Prof Sai thanked Ipas for encouraging him to write the book.
“Ipas has not ceased to recognise the work that I have done. It is an organisation that I have never worked for, so their interest is a genuine appreciation of my effort”, Prof Sai said.

He said his work will serve as footprints for dispirited social scientists and African politicians on the same courser who are despairing to pick up and move one.
Conference delegates who attended the event were all presented with copied of the book which Prof. Sai agreed to autograph in return for donation of any amount of money to be used towards supporting girls pursuing science at the university.