The Office of the President on Friday held a commemorative event at the Jubilee House to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, under the theme “Catch it Early, Treat it Right, and Survive it.”
The ceremony brought together policymakers, health professionals, Presidential Staffers, advocates, and survivors, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to early detection, equitable treatment, and continuous public education on breast cancer.
Delivering the keynote address, Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration), underscored the need for the national fight against breast cancer to move “beyond awareness to action and access.” She described the disease as both a health priority and a social equity issue, calling for stronger collaboration between government and civil society to ensure screening and treatment are accessible to all.
“We must resist the temptation of making this theme another slogan because we are losing many friends, loved ones and colleagues to breast cancer,” she said.
Hon. Nana Oye highlighted government initiatives such as the Mahama Trust Fund for chronic disease treatment, including breast cancer, and Her Excellency Lordina Mahama’s nationwide health screening outreaches in partnership with the Ghana AIDS Commission. These efforts, she noted, align with Ghana’s pursuit of Sustainable Development Goal 3, aimed at reducing mortality from non-communicable diseases by 2030.
In her opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Grace Ayensu-Danquah, Deputy Minister of Health, reaffirmed the government’s resolve to strengthen early detection systems and improve cancer care services nationwide.
“Our goal is to make early detection routine, not rare,” she stressed, adding that the government remains committed to building a robust system for fighting breast cancer under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
Medical experts Dr. John Yaw Antwi and Dr. Cynthia Amissah led a digital demonstration on breast self-examination techniques, preventive strategies, and treatment options. They urged Ghanaians to dispel myths and fears surrounding breast cancer and to prioritise regular check-ups and open conversations about breast health.
The event also featured moving survivor testimonies, moderated by Lily Mohammed, a Senior Broadcaster at EIB Network. Survivors shared stories of resilience and hope, emphasising that early detection saves lives.
“I am alive today because I checked early,” one survivor said. “No one should wait until it’s too late to know.”
The commemoration concluded with a shared call for sustained advocacy beyond October, transforming breast cancer awareness into a continuous national movement for prevention, compassion, and healing.
Both Hon. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo and Dr. Ayensu-Danquah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening cancer treatment infrastructure, promoting preventive healthcare, and ensuring that early detection remains at the centre of Ghana’s health agenda.
Through this initiative, the Presidency reiterated its dedication to promoting health awareness, empowering individuals, and nurturing a culture of preventive healthcare across the nation.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
