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Establish breast cancer fund …to reduce mortality rate – BSoG appeals to govt
Dr Aryeetey
The Breast Society of Ghana (BSoG) has called for the establishment of a fund for the treatment of breast cancer in Ghana.
This, according to the society will help increase the survival rate of patients in the country.
An Oncologist, Dr Naa Adorkor Aryeetey, made the call on Friday during the launch of BSoG’s breast cancer awareness month which is on the theme ‘breast care-working together to succeed.’
The society inaugurated a breast cancer survivors group with the aim of advocating and sharing their stories on breast cancer.
Dr Aryeetey who is also a member of BSoG said the fund was crucial in alleviating the financial burden on affected individuals to enable timely access to quality healthcare.
She said the fund would also reduce the incidence of late diagnosis, facilitate public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives.
She said there have been much improvement in the management of breast cancer in the country, explaining that the setting up of tumor boards at the various teaching hospitals, training of oncologists, psychologists, and the holding of frequent meetings to decide on best treatment options for cancer patients have gone a long way to improve the survival rates of the disease.
She added that the improvement in pathology services had been key to the success story.
Describing gaps in the treatment of breast cancer in Ghana as worrying, she hoped that soon major problems like misconceptions surrounding the disease and treatment options, stigmatisation, the lack of knowledge on the disease and reliance on alternative drugs would soon become a thing of the past.
The Greater Accra Regional Health Director, Dr Akosua Agyeiwaa Owusu-Sarpong, said in order to promote early detection of the disease, systems should be put in place through awareness creation in various communities in the country.
She called for improvement of access to screening services such as the presence of mammograms in health facilities in all the regions.
According to Dr Owusu-Sarpong, compliance to treatment by patients diagnosed with breast cancer was essential to ensure good health outcomes.
She stated that some patients had refused some aspects of treatment such as mastectomy (removal of the affected breast) and radiotherapy, and therefore encouraged breast cancer patients to adhere to the treatment prescribed by health professionals to ensure better care and good outcomes.
She encouraged every member of the public to go for regular breast screening to support early detection and management.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
Firefighters from the Upper West Regional Command have responded to a vehicular incident involving a long vehicle carrying 35 Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBC totes) reportedly containing hydrogen peroxide at Goriyiri in the Nadowli-Kaleo District.
The five-member crew, led by ASTNO Balagee, reported to the scene where a fire and an explosion had reportedly occurred.
The firefighters assessed the scene, identified the chemical hazards and implemented appropriate response measures, bringing the situation under control.
The driver reportedly sustained severe chemical burns and was transported to the hospital for treatment.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Dr Palgrave Boakye-Danquah, spokesperson to NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman Bernard Antwi Boasiako, popularly known as Chairman Wontumi, has called on the government and Parliament to undertake major reforms in Ghana’s prison system, including the construction of a dedicated prison hospital and the introduction of regulated conjugal visits.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, Dr Boakye-Danquah shared Chairman Wontumi’s observations and recommendations following his remand on July 20, 2026.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi’s experience in prison has given him the opportunity to interact with prison officers and inmates and observe the challenges facing the Ghana Prisons Service.
The statement noted that the NPP chairman believes the correctional system must move beyond punishment to focus on rehabilitation, welfare and productivity.
One of his major concerns is the lack of dedicated, well-equipped prison hospitals, ambulances and standby generators in several prison facilities.
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had raised concerns about the difficulties in providing medical care to seriously ill inmates, including those suffering from tuberculosis.
He is therefore calling for the construction of a modern prison hospital to serve facilities across the country. In the interim, he has proposed emergency arrangements with the 37 Military Hospital and the Police Hospital.
On the welfare of prison officers, Chairman Wontumi has urged the government to review their salaries, accommodation and conditions of service.
He has also called for proper classification of inmates, arguing that minor offenders should not be housed alongside armed robbery convicts and that persons facing trial for serious offences, including treason and terrorism, should be appropriately separated from other inmates.
The statement further highlighted concerns about the need for counselling and behavioural support for young inmates, particularly those serving sentences for defilement-related offences.
Chairman Wontumi has also called for a clear policy on the classification and management of LGBTQI+ inmates within the prison system.
On family relationships, he has proposed the creation of designated private areas where prisoners can receive visits from their spouses and children.
He believes regulated conjugal visits could help preserve marriages, reduce tension among inmates and support rehabilitation.
“The prisoner is the one in prison, not the children or spouse,” the statement noted, explaining his position on the need to protect family relationships during incarceration.
Chairman Wontumi has appealed to the Ministry of Food and Agriculture to support prison farms with the necessary equipment to improve food production.
According to the statement, the Ghana Prisons Service has access to vast lands and skilled labour but faces a shortage of agricultural equipment, with only one tractor reportedly available for farming and garbage-related activities.
He has further proposed greater collaboration between prison authorities and the justice sector, suggesting that regional prison commanders should be included in relevant discussions because of their knowledge of prison conditions and inmate rehabilitation.
On infrastructure, Chairman Wontumi has called on the government and private sector to invest in modern prison facilities and factories, arguing that the system has seen limited structural improvements over the years.
Appeal to Parliament
Dr Boakye-Danquah said Chairman Wontumi had made a special appeal to Parliament to lead efforts towards comprehensive prison reform.
He is urging the Speaker of Parliament to initiate discussions on prison conditions as a human rights and national development issue.
He has also called on the Majority and Minority caucuses to work together to pass a new Prison Reform Act and approve funding for a dedicated prison hospital, ambulance services, standby generators and agricultural equipment.
Additionally, he wants the Parliamentary Select Committees on Defence and Interior, Health, and Food and Agriculture to undertake working visits to prisons across the country to assess conditions firsthand.
According to the statement, Chairman Wontumi believes bipartisan cooperation between the Majority and Minority caucuses is necessary to secure the legal and financial reforms required to improve the prison system.
He has called for broader prison reforms across Africa, expressing hope that Ghana could lead the continent in improving correctional facilities.
Reflecting on his experience since July 20, Chairman Wontumi stated: “At this experience since July 20th till date, prison doesn’t reform as it should be. I pray that the entire Africa will learn from Ghana.”
The statement added that Chairman Wontumi remained in high spirits.
By: Jacob Aggrey
