News
Breast Cancer Narrative Not Exaggerated: Over 4,800 Diagnosed Annually
A lecturer at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Ghana, Legon — Dr. Merri Iddrisu — has dismissed claims that the narrative surrounding breast cancer has been exaggerated. She insists the disease remains one of the most pressing public health challenges in Ghana and across the world.
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator in Accra, Dr. Iddrisu explained that far from being overstated, breast cancer is an evidence-based medical crisis backed by alarming global and national statistics.
“Some people think every discussion about women revolves around their breasts, and that breast cancer campaigns are used to attract sympathy or funding — but that’s false; the statistics are real and frightening,” she said.
She cited data showing that breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally, and its incidence continues to rise, particularly in developing countries.
“In Ghana, over 4,800 women are diagnosed with breast cancer each year, yet this figure is incomplete because we do not have a national cancer registry. Even more worrying is that more than half of these women die from the disease,” she disclosed.
Dr. Iddrisu argued that breast cancer awareness must continue throughout the year and not be limited to the month of October.
“Awareness shouldn’t end with the pink ribbons in October. We must continue education, screening, and advocacy throughout the year to save lives,” she emphasised.
According to her, breast cancer deserves widespread attention because women form about 60 percent of Ghana’s population and play crucial roles in family life, the economy, and community development.
“Women are at the heart of society — they raise families, contribute to the economy, and stabilise homes. When breast cancer affects a woman, it affects the entire community,” she added.
Furthermore, she called for continuous media advocacy, early detection campaigns, and public education in local languages to demystify the disease.
“We haven’t even done enough yet. We must do more, not less. Breast cancer is real, and every life we save through awareness makes a difference,” she concluded.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu & Theresa Dzifa Tsetse
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A 30-year-old man has been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour by the Bekwai Circuit Court for his role in a 2022 robbery at a mining site at Manso Akwasiso in the Ashanti South Region.
The convict, Dominic Ofori, also known as Fanta, was arrested on 16th February 2026 after years on the run. He pleaded guilty before the Bekwai Circuit Court to robbery contrary to Section 149 of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 Act 29, and was accordingly sentenced to 25 years imprisonment with hard labour.
On March 20, 2022, the Manso Adubia District Police received intelligence that a group of armed men from Manso Abodom were planning to attack a mining site at Manso Akwasiso to rob the owner of gold concentrate. Acting on the information, police mounted a coordinated operation and laid an ambush at the site.
At about 5:30 pm the same day, four-armed men arrived at the site, fired indiscriminately, and robbed the miners of their gold concentrate. The police team on surveillance intervened, resulting in an exchange of gunfire.
Three of the suspects, Abu Abubakar, Musah Latif, and Gideon Takyi, sustained gunshot wounds and were pronounced dead on arrival at St Martins Catholic Hospital at Agroyesum. Dominic Ofori escaped at the time but was later arrested and put before the court.
The Ashanti South Regional Police Command has assured the public of its continued commitment to combating violent crimes and bringing offenders to justice.
The Ashanti Regional Police Command has arrested 45-year-old Isaac Boafo, also known as “Duabo King,” for allegedly publishing false news intended to cause fear and panic.
Police said the arrest follows a viral TikTok video in which Boafo claimed that four officers at the Central Police Station in Kumasi engaged in inappropriate conduct with commercial sex workers during night patrols in Asafo.
Officers from the Police Intelligence Directorate (Ashanti Region) apprehended Boafo after receiving intelligence about the video.
During questioning, he admitted to creating the video to attract views and engagement online, and acknowledged that he could not prove the allegations.
Boafo also admitted making comments about the President of the Republic for content purposes and could not defend those statements.
He has been formally charged and is in detention as investigations continue.
The Ashanti Regional Police have warned the public against publishing or sharing false information on social media, noting that such acts can cause fear, panic, and damage reputations.
They said anyone found engaging in similar conduct will face legal action.
By: Jacob Aggrey
