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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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The Chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) Abena Osei Asare has expressed concerns about the failure of the Administrator of the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) Mr. Paul Adjei to honour invitation of the Committee to assist in dealing with abandoned projects cited in the 2024 Auditor-General’s report.
She emphasised that some of the projects have been abandoned for more than 20 years and it kept reoccurring in the Auditor-General’s report yearly, stressing that the GETFund Administrator could assist by prioritising these projects.
However, he has failed to personally appear before the Committee since the commencement of the Committee’s public hearing in the 9th Parliament.
According to the 2024 Auditor-General’s report on Pre-University Educational Institutions, nine (9) Institutions with 16 projects awarded by the GET Fund Secretariat had been abandoned/delayed for a period ranging between three (3) and 28 years.
Some of the affected schools include Adanwomoase Senior High School (Boys and Girls dormitory abandoned for 12 years), Atoa Senior High School (Home Economics Block abandoned for 27 years), Beposo Senior High School (Dinning Hall and Kitchen Complex abandoned for 10 years and lastly KNUST Senior High School (Three storey classroom block abandoned for 20 years).
The Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy continued its oversight responsibilities with a working visit to the National Petroleum Authority (NPA) yesterday.
Chairman of the Committee, Emmanuel Kwasi Bedzrah, said the visit formed part of efforts to familiarize members with the Authority’s operations and to explore ways Parliament could provide the necessary support.
He explained that the NPA’s work is focused on regulating Ghana’s downstream petroleum sector, a critical area for national energy security.
Mr. Bedzrah noted that the Committee is particularly interested in assessing whether the country has adequate petroleum stock to meet demand.
He noted that rising geopolitical tensions, including the ongoing US–Iran conflict, could have adverse effect on Ghana’s energy supply and pricing.
He further disclosed that the Committee intends to engage closely with the Authority on a proposed new petroleum bill.
According to him, a draft of the legislation will be reviewed and possibly presented to Parliament under a certificate of urgency.
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