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Brassieres, Deodorants Not Causes of Breast Cancer — Health Expert
An Occupational Health Manager, Mr Samuel Agyekum, has dismissed widespread belief that wearing brassieres or using deodorant sprays causes breast cancer, stating that such claims are false and unscientific.
“The kind of bra you wear cannot give you breast cancer. At most, it may cause a minor skin irritation — that is if it’s too tight — but not cancer,” he explained.
Mr Agyekum made the clarification on Wednesday at a seminar with staff of the New Times Corporation (NTC) that preceded a staff screening, as part of activities to commemorate this year’s breast cancer month observation.
The screening was organised by Rabito Clinic, in collaboration with the Communication for Development and Advocacy Consult (CDA Consult). It was under the theme: ‘Female Journalist, Your Story Matters: Don’t Let Breast Cancer Silence You.’
According to Mr Samuel Agyekum, an officer from the Rabito Clinic, there was no research outcome that supports the claim that brassieres or deodorants trigger breast cancer. Rather, he attributed some of the triggers to sedentary lifestyles, consumption of ‘junk’ foods, smoking, drinking, among others.
Mr Agyekum urged women, especially, to prioritise self-breast examination (SBE) and go for regular medical checkups, explaining that early detection greatly improves the chances of survival.
He demonstrated practical steps in checking for unusual changes in breast size, shape, or colour, as well as lumps or nipple discharge. “If you don’t know your own body, you may miss important signs. Everyone should learn to look and feel,” he advised.
He further encouraged breastfeeding mothers to nurse their babies as long as possible, stating that breastfeeding provides significant health benefits to both mother and child. “Breastfeeding reduces a mother’s risk of developing breast cancer; it helps the uterus return to normal after childbirth,” he added.
Mr Banguu Delle, Chief Executive Officer of Rabito Clinic, indicated that the initiative was to empower female journalists to take charge of their health and continue to tell impactful stories.
“Increasing awareness and promoting self-examination among women will transform society and empower them to take control of their lives,” he stated, urging participants to “get screened and not allow breast cancer to silence their voices.”
Mr Francis Ameyibor, Executive Director of CDA Consult, said the outreach was extended to the NTC and four other media outlets to make screening accessible to more female journalists.
“You must first be healthy to report healthy news. Don’t only cover breast cancer stories, take part in them,” he emphasised.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, affecting more than 2.1 million women annually.
By Beatrice Princess Kpeglah & Theresa Dzifa Tsetse
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The Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has announced a series of reforms aimed at improving transparency, efficiency, and youth development in Ghana’s sports sector.
Appearing before the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament today, Mr. Adams said the Ministry had set up a Fixed Asset Coordinating Unit within the National Sports Authority (NSA) to properly assess and manage the value of national sports infrastructure.
The move, he explained, is meant to boost revenue generation and ensure accountability in the management of state-owned sports facilities.
The Minister revealed plans to introduce an e-ticketing system across all stadiums and sporting events in the country.
According to him, this initiative will make event management more transparent, efficient, and secure.
Mr. Adams further disclosed that the Ministry is in the final stages of completing a new National Sports Policy, which for the first time will fully integrate recreation into Ghana’s national development agenda.
The policy, he said, is expected to be ready by the first quarter of 2026.
Another key announcement was the creation of a School Sports Agency, which he described as a “critical structure to drive talent discovery, youth engagement, and athlete development from the ground up.”
He said the agency will serve as the foundation for grooming Ghana’s future champions.
Mr. Adams assured Parliament that the Ministry remains committed to building a modern, inclusive, and accountable sports and recreation ecosystem that delivers value, opportunity, and national pride.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) has defended the ongoing prosecution of former Chief Executive of the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), Dr Mustapha Abdul-Hamid, stressing that the case is backed by solid evidence and involves serious offences.
The office explained that Dr Abdul-Hamid, who is facing trial before the Criminal High Court in Accra, is charged with conspiracy to commit extortion, extortion by a public officer, using public office for profit, and money laundering.
It indicated that he and two NPA officials allegedly plotted to extort about GH¢291 million and US$332,000 from bulk oil transporters and oil marketing companies between December 2022 and December 2024.
The OSP said he is also accused of unlawfully receiving GH¢24 million and GH¢230,000 from oil transporters under the guise of performing official duties, and of using his position for personal gain.
According to the office, investigations showed that he possessed GH¢15.3 million, an amount far beyond his legitimate income and suspected to be proceeds of crime.
It revealed that assets worth over GH¢100 million and US$100,000 have been seized and frozen, with additional properties still under tracing.
The OSP maintained that the prosecution is a major step toward protecting public funds and promoting accountability in the petroleum sector, adding that no public official is above the law.
The case continues on Thursday, 13 November 2025.
By: Jacob Aggrey
