All IVF clinics in Ghana are privately owned. Government hospitals have made some attempts — like UGMC and Korle Bu — trying to establish IVF units, which is commendable. But typically, government-run facilities face operational challenges. The Fertility Society of Ghana has been advocating for the inclusion of at least some fertility services in the National Health Insurance Scheme — particularly basic investigations like hormonal labs. IVF itself is expensive, yes, but even covering diagnostics would be a big help. Private insurance companies should also consider including fertility services. Q Let’s get a little personal. What’s your experience been with love and marriage? I’m currently married — it’s my second marriage — and we have one child together. In total, I have four wonderful children. I really value marriage. With the kind of work I do — often surrounded by women — it’s important to have someone steady by your side. Having a partner keeps you grounded. I take marriage seriously and I love it. I think it brings balance. Q Do you have any hobbies or interests? What do you do when you’re not working? When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife. We talk, watch movies or series on Netflix together, and laugh. I also love swimming — it’s one of my favourite ways to unwind. I try to walk more, but with my schedule and where I live (East Legon), traffic makes that tough. In the evenings, I don’t feel safe walking along the roads, so I usually swim early on weekends before starting my day. Q Can you share some of the most exciting moments in your life? I take life one day at a time. I try to make each day interesting. I do have special moments, but I don’t dwell too much on past highlights. I’m more focused on creating joy each day. That’s just how I live. You’ve made parenting possible for so many. Q What has your own parenting journey taught you about yourself ? While I was working abroad — at Pro Vita and then in the UK — I always knew my purpose was to return home and contribute to Ghana. So I set a timeline for myself to come back. Unfortunately, that meant leaving my kids at a very young age, which was difficult. I missed much of their early childhood. I traveled back and forth often, but I didn’t get to experience their infancy in the way I would’ve liked. Still, I made those sacrifices because I believed in the mission here. And now, I stay as connected as possible. I’ll be visiting them next month — one of them is heading to university, so I want to spend time with them before that milestone. Q How would you want to be remembered? Is there something you’d like your name to be synonymous with? I’d rather let people decide how they remember me. For every patient I meet, I try to leave a mark — even if they don’t achieve success, I want them to remember our journey together, and feel that they were respected and cared for. Many women share with me things they wouldn’t tell anyone else. It’s a deep privilege. One of my core values is never to disrespect a woman I’ve had the honor of attending to. I treat everyone with respect and give them the attention they deserve. If people remember that — that I made them feel heard and dignified — I’ll be content. Q What are you most passionate about? What does your heart beat for? (Laughs) Well… I really enjoy those quiet, intimate moments — just my wife and me. Q That’s honest and fair! And finally, what does a successful and purposeful life mean to you? I believe we all come to this earth with a purpose. Some find their niche, others don’t recognize it even when they’ve found it. For me, I believe I was meant to do this work. I’ve taken it to the highest level I can. I truly love it. More than anything, I want to be remembered for helping people create life — for being part of their journey toward parenthood. Sometimes I meet people I don’t even remember, and they tell me something I said or did during their treatment that changed their lives. That really moves me. I want to leave a legacy not just of children born, but of lives touched. So that one day, someone can tell a child, “There was a man called Dr. Joseph Mainoo who started something in Ghana, and another man called Ellis who helped bring you into this world. Now go on and be great.” That’s powerful. Thank you so much for your time — and for the incredible work you do. Thank you very much. I really enjoyed this. The Birthday Journal 59 E L L I S AT 6 0
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