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Keta Municipal hospital organises free cervical cancer screening
The Keta Municipal Hospital in the Volta Region has ended this year’s cervical cancer awareness month of January with free screening exercise.
The screening exercise was also used to educate the public on the causes, preventions, management and the effects of the disease.
Dr Martha Ampadu, a Gynaecologist at the Keta Municipal Hospital, in an interview with the Ghana News Agency, said that cervical cancer was deadly and the public should prioritise their health and get screened against cancer and other diseases.
Cervical cancer always occurs in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus in the female reproductive system which typically develops over time, and it is often caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV) and dangers associated with this disease include death,” she said.
She said that other risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing cervical cancer include sexual intercourse at a tender age, having multiple sexual partners, weakened immune system, smoking, poor diet and lack of exercise, among others.
Dr Ampadu explained that some common symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding between monthly periods and after sex, pain during sex, unusual vaginal discharge, bad odour, weight loss and fatigue, bleeding after menopause, pelvic pains, loss of appetite and others.
“The only way to detect cervical cancer is through a routine test or screening to check for abdominal cell changes in the cervix and to check for the present of high risk HPV types that can cause cervical cancer and that was the aim for our screening for the month.”
She said that some methods of preventing cervical cancer was by through Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine which was recommended people between the aged 12 and 26, and regular screening, practicing safe sex and limited number of sexual partners, avoid early sex and smoking, as well as engaging in regular exercise.
Dr Ampadu said that over 200 women were screened for the cervical cancer disease within the month of January, “and from Monday those who will come for the screening will be made to pay for it.”
She appealed to the public to as a matter of urgency prioritise their health and get screened as early as possible for early detection and treatment to prevent any unforeseen circumstances that could lead to death of the victims.
She urged all to visit the hospital with a valid National Health Insurance Card regularly when they suspect any bad feeling within the body for urgent attention and vaccination.
Some beneficiaries GNA interviewed expressed gratitude to the health workers and thanked them for the kind gestures. The theme of this year’s cervical cancer awareness month was, “screen, learn, vaccinate.”
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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