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Emotional wounds from stigma, discrimination painful than cancer — Mrs Kumah-Dzagah
The Executive Secretary of the Breast Cancer Society of Ghana (BCSG), Mrs Georgina Kumah-Dzagah, has revealed that the emotional wounds caused by stigma and discrimination are often more painful than the physical suffering of the cancer disease itself.
In an interview with The Spectator in Accra, Mrs Kumah-Dzagah said that while the surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were challenging, the reactions of people around her left deeper scars on her heart than the illness did on her body.
“For many survivors like me, the deepest wound does not come from the cancer itself, it comes from how people respond — the silence from people I once called family, the friends who drifted away as if cancer was contagious, and the stares at social gatherings — those were far more painful,” she said.
According to her, stigma and misconceptions about breast cancer leave many survivors feeling isolated and unloved at a time when they need the most care and encouragement.
“Stigma is cruel because it isolates survivors when we need love the most. It takes away hope, dignity, and the strength we fight so hard to hold on to,” she added.
Mrs Kumah-Dzagah urged the public to understand that breast cancer was not a death sentence and certainly not contagious, stressing that patients and survivors deserve empathy, not avoidance.
Survivors, she said, need encouragement, not judgment, and that they need people to remind them that they are still whole, valuable, and capable of living fully.
She also encouraged survivors to be proud of their scars, describing them as symbols of courage and endurance, saying every scar is proof of survival, not a mark of shame.
Mrs Kumah-Dzagah called on families, friends, and the wider public to offer emotional support to breast cancer survivors, noting that even small gestures of kindness can help restore confidence and hope.
She urged stakeholders to fight not only the disease but also the stigma surrounding it.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
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Roads minister gives contractor two months to improve performance on Bediako Junction to Camp 15 to Sefwi Adabokrom road project
The Minister for Roads and Highways, Kwame Governs Agbodza, has issued a two-month ultimatum to Delovely Construction Ltd. to improve work on the Bediako Junction to Camp 15 to Sewi Adabokrom road project or risk losing the contract.
He gave the directive during an inspection of the 55-kilometre project today, expressing disappointment in the slow pace of work.
According to him, the contractor has completed less than two per cent of the project, even though work should have reached about 20 per cent by now.
He noted that the contractor was given possession of the site about five months ago and should have made significant progress.
He explained that aside from clearing works along the stretch, there is little visible progress on the ground.
The minister described the performance as far below expectations and warned that the government will not tolerate further delays.
He stated that the contractor has been given two months to improve progress to at least 20 per cent, failing which the contract will be terminated and reassigned to another company.
He added that the government remains committed to completing the project on schedule and will not allow setbacks to delay its delivery.
He stressed that the road is important to the area, as it supports agriculture and the livelihoods of residents.
He said the project forms part of the government’s broader plan to improve road infrastructure and boost economic activity in the region.
He assured residents that regardless of the current contractor’s performance, the government will ensure the road is completed by November 30, 2027.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Government of Ghana has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the Sahel region, following recent terrorist attacks in Mali that have claimed several lives, including that of the country’s Defence Minister.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on April 27, 2026, the government described the attacks, which occurred on Saturday, April 25, as coordinated strikes on multiple military positions, including the capital, Bamako.
The statement noted that the attacks led to the death of Mali’s Defence Minister, General Sadio Camara, along with other military personnel and civilians.
The government extended condolences to the people and government of Mali, describing the development as tragic, and wished those injured a speedy recovery.
It stressed that violent extremism has no place in the world and called for stronger collective efforts to combat such acts.
The ministry issued an advisory to Ghanaians living in Mali, urging them to be cautious and limit non-essential movements. It encouraged them to stay in regular contact with the Ghana Embassy in Bamako.
Ghanaian traders and drivers who use the Mali route for business have also been advised to suspend their activities until further notice, as authorities work to restore calm.
The statement indicated that the government is working closely with Malian authorities and will provide updates to support the safe resumption of trading activities.
It assured Ghanaian nationals in Mali that their safety and well-being remain a top priority.
By: Jacob Aggrey
