Prince Bubacarr Aminata Sankanu is undoubtedly the first Gambian man to speak openly about his battle against infertility.
In a rare interview with The Standard Newspaper, the famous film producer revealed his first marriage collapsed because he was accused of impotence and dragged before the Brikama Cadi (Islamic) Court.
“I was accused of being impotent and dragged before the Brikama Cadi Court where the marriage was dissolved. I never had the chance to defend myself. My first marriage lasted 15 years but as you know in our African society when there is no child, they would accuse the man of being impotent or the woman of being barren. In my case, impotence was used on me as an excuse without qualified medical examination,” he told journalist Omar Wally.
According to Sankanu, who is now happily married, his infertility was caused by low sperm count after a six-month treatment in Germany for a “mysterious illness” that he got whilst working at GRTS. “As a side effect of the intensive medication, the doctors said my sperm count was compromised and it will take time before I can reproduce but my sexuality remains active.”
He further divulged: “After my first marriage, I married for the second time and that one too collapsed within five years. My supposed impotence was used as a reason to end it. I am in my third marriage and continuing fertility treatment both through Western and traditional medicine. We just had our first miscarriage. It was unfortunate but a very relieving experience that I can indeed impregnate a woman.”
The internationally recognised film producer disclosed infertility is common among men and all one needs in such situation is a patient, supportive and understanding partner who can ignore the idle gossips of society.
He told The Standard Newspaper that he wants to use his story to give hope to people with childbearing issues and to challenge the associated stigma of delayed reproduction.
“Our society needs to grow up and end the discrimination of people with fertility challenges. It is not a shame if your marriage is childless. Let us talk about reproductive health,” he added.
Source/link to the full interview:
http://standard.gm/site/2018/01/12/aminata-sankanu-filmmaker/