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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
The Bunbong community in the Northern Region was filled with excitement over the weekend as residents gathered at the forecourt of the Bunbong Chief’s Palace to celebrate the annual Linujil festival.
The festival, hosted by the Chief of Bunbong, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni, brought together different tribes including Konkomba, Dagombas, Gonjas, Fulbes, and the Anufus from neighbouring communities to celebrate culture, unity, and tradition through dance, drumming, and colourful performances.
In his address, Uborr Wumbe Dawuni expressed gratitude to the people of Bunbong and surrounding communities for their continuous support. He said the Linujil festival was not only a moment of celebration but also a time to reflect on the community’s values of peace, unity, and respect.
“The Linujil festival reminds us of who we are and where we come from. It strengthens our bond as one people and encourages the younger generation to preserve our cultural heritage,” he said.
The Northern Regional Minister, Ali Adolf, commended the Chief and people of Bunbong for keeping their cultural heritage alive and praised the hardworking farmers for their dedication to yam production.
Mr. Adolf further emphasised that health and education remain key pillars for building stronger communities, assuring the people that government would continue to support them in achieving their developmental goals. He also applauded Rocky Dawuni for his outstanding performance and for promoting the image of Northern Ghana on the international stage.
Mr. Angelo Yossi Dogbe, representative of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, commended the people of Bunbong for using the Linujil festival to promote cultural tourism and community pride.
Mrs. Cary Sullivan, co-producer of the event and founder of Afro Funke, described the Linujil festival as an inspiring cultural experience that reflects the heart of Ghana’s creative energy.
A major highlight of the event was an electric live performance by Ghanaian music star and son of the land, Rocky Dawuni, whose vibrant show captivated the audience. He was joined on stage by Alidu Mohammed of Playing for Change fame, adding even more excitement to the night.
By Geoffrey Buta, Bunbong
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A new policy from the Ministry of Education (MoE) about the compulsory use of Ghanaian languages as the medium of instruction in basic schools has stirred controversy among the populace, especially parents.
The announcement, made last month by the Minister of Education, Haruna Iddrisu, aims to improve foundational learning and preserve Ghana’s rich linguistic heritage.
The move has been welcomed by some parents, applauding the efforts to keep the local language alive and help children learn and speak them. However, several concerns have been raised in opposition, forcing the ministry to clarify certain parts that seemed not to have been understood.
While some welcomed the move, citing better comprehension and cultural connection for young learners, others raised concerns about its practicality in diverse classrooms.
In a swift reaction, the MoE, through its Deputy Minister, Dr. Clement Apaak, clarified that the new directive issued by the sector minister was strictly limited to the earliest stages of basic education and does not extend across all levels.
In separate interviews conducted by The Spectator, parents remained divided on the policy and proffered diverse solutions to ensure its effectiveness.
“My daughter speaks Twi at home, so learning in Twi will help her grasp concepts faster,” said Mrs. Efia Asante, a mother of two. In her view, since her daughter already has a good grasp of the Twi language, it would be easier for her to understand the teachers.
Mrs. Rebecca Asare told The Spectator she shares the ministry’s explanation, saying that it is important to adopt measures that encourage young children to speak the native languages.
In sharp contrast, Mr. Albert Agyekum from Ablekuma commended the idea but questioned: “Can one teacher speak all the languages in a diverse classroom?”
Mr. Amoako Mark, whose child attends a school without a Ga teacher, wondered how his ward, who speaks only the Ga language, would cope under such circumstances.
Nii Amui also questioned how teachers in a class with children speaking different languages would manage if they cannot speak more than one local language.
Other parents also raised issues about regional language adaptation. Miss Eliza Vikporho argued that children naturally learn the dominant language of their environment. “If you live in the Volta Region, you learn Ewe. That’s how it has always been. Why make it compulsory?” she asked.
Still, others believe the policy could foster unity and elevate lesser-known Ghanaian languages.
By Beatrice Wonovi Kpeglah
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