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Incorporate oncology education in nursing training – Dr Wiafe Addai
Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Breast Care International, has emphasised the pressing need to incorporate oncology education into standard nursing training to improve breast cancer care across Ghana.
“We are advocating a change of the curriculum of the nursing training schools in the country so that many oncology concerns can be added to their training schedules,” Dr Wiafe Addai stated.
She made the call during the opening of a two-day basic oncology training workshop at the Peace and Love Hospital in Kumasi for journalists, selected from the Eastern Region.
She emphasised a critical gap in Ghana’s healthcare education system – the absence of specialised oncology nursing training schools in the country.
“There are no oncology nursing training schools in the country,” Dr Wiafe Addai pointed out, “underscoring the significance of the curriculum reform,” she advocates.
She further explained that the curriculum reform would be essential alongside her organisation’s efforts to train healthcare professionals, particularly in underserved areas.
Dr Wiafe Addai highlighted that healthcare professionals in rural areas often served as the first point of contact for patients, making their education crucial for early detection and proper care.
One of the most disturbing revelations from the training was the social impact of breast cancer on patients’ lives as Dr Wiafe Addai noted that lack of proper counseling has resulted in many men divorcing their wives after diagnosis.
“The psychological impact of breast cancer extends far beyond the physical symptoms,” she elaborated. “Without adequate counseling for both patients and their families, women face abandonment at a time when they need support the most.”
Moreover, Dr Wiafe Addai stressed the importance of celebrating and highlighting cancer survivors. “Survivorship is most important as the more we have survivors, the more we see reduction of fear and stigma of the disease,” she emphasised.
She noted the fact that breast cancer does not start with pains was the reason many women live with the disease for a longer time before seeking for help.
The leading breast cancer advocate emphasised the need to dispel superstitious beliefs surrounding the disease. “It is not witchcraft that causes breast cancer,” she stated firmly, addressing a belief that still persists in some communities and often delays proper medical treatment.
She again highlighted the importance of involving younger generations in awareness campaigns. “It is very important to involve the youth in awareness creation of the disease,” noted Dr Wiafe Addai.
She also urged the public to know their family history regarding breast cancer, which can help with preventive measures.
Dr Kwabena Opoku-Adusei, former President of Ghana Medical Association, who chaired the function, encouraged journalists to use their platforms to spread accurate information about breast cancer, help reduce stigma, and promote early detection practices that could save countless lives.
Nana Osei Amankwa III, chief of Oduom, also asked journalists to eschew fake news because they are the mouthpiece of the people.
Ashanti and Eastern Regional Chairmen of the Ghana Journalists Association, Kingsley E. Hope and Maxwell Kudakor, used the occasion to urge journalists to be passionate about health related stories to combat misconceptions.
From Kingsley E. Hope, Kumasi
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Speaker of Parliament inaugurates open Parliament Steering Committee, launches action plan
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has launched the Open Parliament Steering Committee and the Open Parliament Action Plan.
The ceremony was under the theme “Achieving Gender Equality: Action by Action.”
The Speaker highlighted the critical role Parliament plays in translating the will of the people into inclusive legislation, responsive policies, and accountable governance.
“The International Day of Parliamentarianism is worth celebrating, as it offers an opportunity not only to recognise and promote achievements in strengthening democratic governance, but also to pause and reflect on the remaining gaps in institutionalising parliamentary democracy,” he said.
He noted that the event was scheduled to coincide with the International Day of Parliamentarianism to reinforce the importance of open and inclusive governance.
The Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, stated that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is intended to recognise the vital role Parliaments play globally as pillars of democratic governance.
He noted that this marks the first time Ghana is formally observing the day.
“The gravity of our observance is further accentuated as we convene to witness the launch of the Open Parliament Action Plan by the Open Government Partnership Caucus,” he said.
Delivering a statement on behalf of the Minority Leader, Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin, the Deputy Minority Leader, Patricia Appiagyei, described the Open Parliament Action Plan as a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening the relationship between Parliament and the public.
She said the plan represents a bold commitment to making Parliament more transparent, accessible, and responsive to the needs of Ghanaians.
The Clerk to Parliament, Mr. Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, described the launch as a key milestone in the effort to build a citizen-focused and accountable Parliament.
He added that the International Day of Parliamentarianism is a call to action to recommit to the highest standards of public service and democratic accountability.
The inauguration was attended by a wide range of stakeholders, including the Majority and Minority Members of Parliament, members of the Open Parliament Steering Committee, the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Caucus, Parliamentary Network Africa, representatives from civil society organisations, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, student bodies, the Parliamentary Press Corps, and other media partners.
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NACOC declares drug menace a national emergency
The Parliamentary Committee on Defence and Interior has paid a working visit to the Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) to engage with its leadership and assess operational challenges hampering the fight against illicit drugs.
In a detailed presentation, Dr. Basha Ligbi, Head of the Commission’s Research Bureau, highlighted critical setbacks including broken body scanners at airport terminals, inadequate office infrastructure, overcrowded detention facilities, and deteriorating vehicles.
He also called for the Commission’s headquarters to be reclassified as a security zone, citing growing security risks due to private encroachment and nearby high-rise developments.
Director General of NACOC, Brigadier General Maxwell Obiba Mantey, described the escalating drug trade as a national emergency, warning that drug barons now rival armed robbers in threat level and are gaining influence at the highest levels.
He appealed for stronger institutional support and morale-boosting interventions to preserve the integrity of NACOC officers.
Chairman of the Committee and MP for Builsa North, James Agalga, assured the Commission of the Committee’s commitment to escalate the concerns to Parliament and engage key justice sector stakeholders to fast-track reforms in support of NACOC’s mandate.
