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No woman should die of breast cancer —Dr Wiafe Addae
“No woman should die from breast cancer because she is poor,” was the resounding message that echoed through the streets of Kumasi last weekend, as thousands of Ghanaians joined Breast Care International (BCI) and its partners in what became the country’s largest breast cancer awareness walk to date.
From the Post Office at Adum to the revered grounds of Manhyia Palace, the city was painted pink and white, the colours for the breast cancer awareness — as participants marched under the theme: ‘A Cure Worth Fighting For.’
At the heart of the campaign was Dr Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, Founder and President of BCI, whose voice carried a message both sobering and empowering. She stated that, “Breast cancer can be conquered. But we must fight together. We must bring our arsenals — education, compassion, science, and solidarity — to save lives, especially those young women who die needlessly and prematurely.”
She stressed that breast cancer was curable if detected early and treated promptly, urging women to visit hospitals for check-ups and avoid relying on traditional herbs and self-treatment.
For over 23 years, BCI has been a beacon of advocacy, education, and care — not just in Ghana, but across Africa and globally. This year’s walk marked a significant rebranding of the organisation, which signaled a renewed commitment to women’s health and a louder voice against the myths and stigma that still surround breast cancer.
Dr Wiafe-Addai was particularly vocal about the dangers of misinformation — including the persistent belief that breast cancer was caused by witchcraft. She urged women to seek medical care rather than rely on traditional herbs or self-treatment.
Again, she called on men to stand by their wives during diagnosis and treatment and not abandon them. “This is when love must speak loudest; we must support each other. No woman should feel alone in this fight,” she noted.
According to her, the statistics are stark as over 2,300 women in Ghana die from breast cancer every year, a figure that surpasses the country’s COVID-19 deaths over a two-year period, but “early detection and prompt treatment save lives,” she emphasised.
As the walk ended at Manhyia Palace, the crowd stood united — survivors, families, health workers, students, and leaders — all carrying the same hope: that poverty, silence, and stigma will no longer be death sentences.
Dr Wiafe-Addai pointed out that BCI’s renewed identity, saying that, “is not just a change in logo or name. It’s a rallying cry.”
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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President John Dramani Mahama has arrived in Libreville, Gabon, to participate in the inaugural Libreville International Forum for Innovation and Development, a high-level event that brings together Heads of State, government officials, global investors, and technology experts.
The forum, being held under the patronage of Mr Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema, President of the Republic of Gabon, is on the theme “Political Stability, Business Climate, and Artificial Intelligence: Catalysts for Growth.”
The forum seeks to position Gabon as a regional innovation hub and key destination for international investment.
Organisers are holding the Forum to inaugurate the newly constructed Omar Bongo Ondimba Congress Centre, which also serves as the venue for the Forum and as a future centre for international dialogue.
The forum will culminate in the “Libreville Declaration,” which will showcase the strategic political leaders’ commitments to enhancing governance, transparency, and digital integration across the continent.
President Mahama remains a strong advocate for fostering partnerships that bridge the gap between government policy and private-sector growth to ensure inclusive development.
Former Energy Minister Boakye Agyarko has informed the New Patriotic Party’s 2028 flagbearer, Mahamudu Bawumia, of his decision to contest for the position of National Chairman of the party.
Mr. Agyarko disclosed this during a courtesy call on Dr. Bawumia on May Day.
According to a statement from his team, the visit gave him the opportunity to commend the former Vice President for his service to both the New Patriotic Party and the country.
During the meeting, Mr. Agyarko, together with members of his campaign team, formally notified Dr. Bawumia of his planned nationwide tour as part of his campaign for the National Chairman position.
He reaffirmed his support for the former Vice President and stressed the need for unity within the party ahead of the 2028 general elections.
Mr. Agyarko said the NPP must remain united and committed to securing victory in the next elections.
According to the statement, his nationwide tour is expected to begin in the Ashanti Region next week.
By: Jacob Aggrey
