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Bleaching creams can cause breast cancer -Dr Wiafe Addai
President of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, has cautioned women against the use of bleaching creams as some contain cancerous chemicals which can cause breast cancer.
According to her, some skin lighteners contain variety of substances, including topical steroids, mercury and hydroquinones as well as hormonally active compounds like phthalates which commonly known as “fragrances” or “perfumes.”
Speaking in an interview with The Spectator at a breast cancer awareness programme in Accra on Thursday, Dr Addai noted that some hair relaxers also contributed to breast cancer, saying they contained phthalates.
She indicated that although the cause of breast cancer was still unknown, there were lifestyles like intake of alcohol, smoking, not washing the bra on regular basis, excess fatty consumption, lack of exercise, skin bleaching injection and pills were risk factors.
Dr Addai observed that 10 per cent of women who had breast cancers in Ghana were from genetic mutation while 90 per cent were not.
She urged women to get themselves examined on monthly basis, and get clinical breast screened once every year, stressing that “early detection saves the breast and life.”
“Breast cancer is the most common cancer that affects women in the world. When it is not diagnosed early the cancer can spread out and it will lead women to lose a breast or both breasts or the ability to produce children. That is why it is important to get screened to detect the lump for early treatment,” she added.
Dr Addai observed that 15 per cent of women who had breast cancer were below the age of 50 years, and that “in Ghana the youngest person who was diagnosed of the cancer was 13 years.”
She dispelled the rumour that breast cancer was only common among the adults and denounced claims that it could be prevented through stimulation and sucking of the breast by one’s spouse, adding that “men can also get breast cancer.”
Mr. Sidoine Rodrigues, Manager of Delta Air Lines explained that since October has been the month set aside to create awareness on breast cancer, his outfit had deemed it mandatory to support awareness creation of cancer to get women treated with screening programmes.
He said that for the past five years, Delta Airline had supported BCI outreach project and was proud that the partnership had enabled many women and men to have access to screening programmes and seek treatment.
“Through our partnership, thousands of people have been screened with many suspected cases found. Catching breast cancer early is the key to a cure,” he added.
The programme which was organised by Delta Airline was done in collaboration with Breast Care International and Women in Aviation Ghana.
By Joyceline Natally Cudjoe
Ahyiresu and Abofrem, two quiet communities in the Atwima Mponua District, have been shaken to the core by a chilling midnight drama that reads like a nightmare.
A pastor and a young mother stand accused of attempting to bury a five‑month‑old baby girl alive, a crime that has ignited outrage and disbelief across the township.
According to police, Apostle Richmond Akwasi Frimpong, 36, Head Pastor of the Anointed Grace Prayer Ministry at Kuffour Camp, conspired with his uncle Emmanuel Appiah, 53, and the child’s mother, 23‑year‑old Beatrice Agyapomaa, to dispose of the infant, Anaya Achiaa, under the cover of darkness.
A fourth suspect, Emmanuel Donkor, remains on the run.
The suspects were caught near a refuse dump around 10 pm on April 9, 2026, after a vigilant resident, Akwasi Twezor, noticed their suspicious movements.
When confronted, they claimed the child was already dead and had palace approval for burial. But Twezor’s instincts proved right—the baby was still alive, gasping faintly for breath.
Chief Linguist, Nana Yaw Badu, later confirmed that Frimpong had misled him earlier in the evening, securing permission for burial by falsely declaring the child dead.
The infant was rushed to the Abofrem Clinic, where she is now responding well to treatment. Police described her as “very beautiful.”
Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Evelyn Yitamkey, Commander of DOVVSU in Bibiani, confirmed that the suspects have been provisionally charged.
Frimpong faces attempted murder and conspiracy charges, while Agyapomaa and Appiah are charged with conspiracy and abetment.
They were remanded by the Bibiani Circuit Court, presided over by Judge Frank Asiedu Nimako, to assist investigations.
The docket has been forwarded to the Attorney General’s Department for advice, ASP Yitamkey indicated.
The attempted crime has provoked fury among residents, many suspecting ritual motives aimed at bolstering the pastor’s influence.
Crowds attempted to attack the suspects outside court, but police intervention prevented mob justice.
The Assembly Member for Ahyiresu, Yusuf Suleiman, has assured residents that justice will be pursued swiftly.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
The forecourt of the African University of Communications and Business (AUCB) in Accra came alive on Friday with colour, creativity and innovation, as Level 300 students transformed the space into a lively exhibition of ideas.
Under the theme “Building meaningful brands beyond the logo,” the students invited patrons into a world where ordinary products were reimagined through storytelling, design and purpose.
From scented candles to innovative food concepts, each stand told a unique story, one that went beyond aesthetics to capture identity, value and human connection.
For many of the students, the event was more than just an academic exercise; it was a moment to dream out loud.
Guided by their lecturer, Peter Wonders, they explored what it truly means to build a brand in today’s competitive world where trust, consistency and experience matter just as much as logos and slogans.
Chairman of the occasion, Nana Kum Gyata VI, in his remarks said a brand is what people say about you when you are not present.
At the end of the presentations, awards were presented to deserving groups with Vida Nyaneba emerging as the overall best branding student.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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