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Breast cancer is curable — Breast Society
Breast cancer is curable when detected and treated early, the Breast Society of Ghana has said, urging women to prioritise breast screening and seek medical attention promptly when they notice abnormalities.
The statement, jointly signed by the President of the Breast Society of Ghana, Prof. Josephine Nsaful, and the General Secretary, Ms Enam Setsoafia, said early breast cancer treated in Ghana had a survival rate of more than 90 per cent.
It said Ghana had the necessary facilities and expertise to treat breast cancer, stressing that there was no need for patients to seek care abroad.
Under the theme, “Early Action, Better Outcomes,” for Pinktober 2026, the Society said breast cancer remained a major health challenge in Ghana and was the leading cause of cancer and cancer deaths among women.
The Society expressed concern that too many women continued to present for treatment when the disease had reached an advanced stage, making treatment more difficult, prolonged and expensive, while reducing their chances of survival.
It attributed delays in seeking care to factors including limited awareness, fear, stigma, misinformation, financial constraints, geographical barriers and delays within the healthcare system.
The Society urged women to seek medical attention promptly when they noticed a lump, nipple discharge, changes in the shape or size of the breast, skin changes or any persistent abnormality.
It, however, stressed that screening was an important way to detect breast cancer early, before symptoms developed, and encouraged women to take advantage of free primary healthcare services for breast screening at health facilities across the country.
The Society also urged the public to reject myths and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer, saying no woman should delay seeking medical attention because of fear of losing her breast, chemotherapy, the belief that breast cancer was a spiritual curse or reliance solely on unproven remedies.
It called on families and communities to support, rather than stigmatise, people affected by breast cancer, while urging the media, religious and traditional leaders, and civil society organisations to promote accurate information and encourage timely care-seeking.
The Society further called on healthcare professionals and institutions to strengthen systems that reduced avoidable delays and ensured that clients with breast symptoms were assessed, investigated and referred promptly.
It said early action could lead to earlier diagnosis, expand treatment options and improve survival outcomes.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
eputy Foreign Minister accompanies Veep to Shanghai to champion Global South reform, industrial drive
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, accompanied Vice-President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on a successful working visit to Shanghai, China, from 15th to 19th October 2026, at the invitation of the East China Normal University (ECNU).
The highlight of the visit was the 2026 Global South Academic Forum held on 17th October, which brought together over 200 scholars, policymakers, political party leaders and media professionals from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, under the theme “Global South Political Parties: Governance and Modernisation.”
In her keynote address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang asserted that political independence is only truly the beginning, stating that “winning political power and governing effectively are related but not the same responsibility.” She called for stronger South-South cooperation, multilateralism and reform of the global financial architecture to end debt traps, ensure fair risk assessments and promote climate policies that respect different national circumstances.
On 18th October, she addressed a business forum with Chinese investors, linking Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy policy to industrialization. Warning that training youth without factories creates unemployment, she appealed for factories to be established in Ghana to serve the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market, with priority on value addition in cocoa processing, shea butter, cashew, coconut and timber.
On October 19, Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, hosted a dinner at the Shangri-La for the Vice-President, attended by members of the Ghanaian community and business leaders, who praised the thorough preparation by the Ghana Embassy staff for the visit.
Throughout the trip, Mr. Quayson coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to align the engagements with Ghana’s jobs and transformation agenda.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
