THE Founder of the Dzidula Pink Foundation, Mrs Fafa Gozo, has called for urgent collective action to end cervical cancer, describing the disease as both a major public health threat and one of the most preventable cancers affecting women.

In an interview with The Spectator in Accra after celebrating Cervical Cancer Awareness Month in January, Mrs Gozo stressed that the fight against cervical cancer should move beyond awareness to concrete action.

Highlighting the burden of the disease in Africa, Mrs Gozo noted that cervical cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women on the continent, despite being largely preventable through early detection and timely treatment.

“With regular screening, precancerous changes can be detected early. With timely treatment, lives can be saved. And with collective effort, we can defeat cervical cancer as a public health threat,” the address stated.

Mrs Gozo who is also a breast cancer survivor said the tragedy was not the existence of cervical cancer, but the persistent barriers that deny many women access to information, screening services and treatment.

“The tragedy is that too many women are denied the knowledge, tools and care that could save them,” she said, calling on government agencies, health professionals, civil society and the private sector to work together to close the gaps.

She explained the foundation was established to merge advocacy with creativity, and healing with hope adding that through its work, the foundation seeks to empower women and girls through education, wellness initiatives and creative entrepreneurship, while tackling stigma surrounding women’s health.

She said as part of creating awareness of the disease, her foundation will roll out a series of programmes including free and accessible screening campaigns, survivor testimonies to inspire courage, community education to dismantle myths and stigma, and strategic partnerships to expand access to treatment.

“We are not here to simply raise awareness; we are here to change outcomes,” Mrs Gozo emphasised.

She expressed gratitude to volunteers, medical professionals, sponsors and community leaders who continue to support the Foundation’s mission, describing them as “the lifeblood of this movement.”

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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AS Valentine’s Day is marked around the world with flowers, gifts and romantic gestures, a marriage counsellor has encouraged Ghanaians to move beyond the commercial celebration and reflect on the deeper meaning of love rooted in faith.

Speaking to The Spectator, Counsellor Prince Offei, who is also a mental health professional and a Reverend Minister, said Valentine’s Day has strong Christian origins that were often ignored in contemporary celebrations.

He explained that the day was linked to Saint Valentine, a third-century Christian priest who defied Emperor Claudius II’s ban on marriage by secretly officiating weddings for young couples. Saint Valentine was later arrested and executed for his actions.

“Saint Valentine stood for love, commitment and marriage, even at the cost of his life; that legacy is what inspired the celebration of love that we now know as Valentine’s Day,” Counsellor Offei said.

He noted that the celebration remains relevant to Christianity when approached from a spiritual perspective.

“As Christians, Valentine’s Day offers an opportunity to reflect on God’s unconditional love for humanity,” he said, citing 1 John 4:19, which states that love originates from God.

“When love, kindness and generosity are at the centre, the celebration aligns with Christian values.”

Addressing debates over the origins of Valentine’s Day, Counsellor Offei mentioned that the modern observance can be redeemed when believers focus on demonstrating Christ-like love.

“We can use the day to strengthen relationships, share scripture and show love in practical ways,” he said, referencing John 13:34, which urges believers to love one another as Christ loved them.

On how the day should be observed, Counsellor Offei stressed that Valentine’s Day is not limited to romantic relationships.

“For singles, it can be a time to practise self-love and appreciate family and friendships,” he said, adding that for couples who are dating, it is an opportunity to deepen understanding, while married couples can use the day to reconnect and renew their commitment.

He also encouraged acts of service, noting that showing compassion to those in need reflects the true spirit of love.

However, the counsellor expressed concern over the growing association of Valentine’s Day with promiscuity.

“It is worrying when the day is used to justify immoral behaviour,” he said. “Christian teachings emphasise that sexual intimacy is sacred and meant for marriage. When this is ignored and misused, it often leads to emotional and psychological harm,” he added.

Counsellor Offei urged Christians, particularly the youth, to resist societal pressure and remain grounded in faith.

“Young people should remember that true love is rooted in God’s love,” he said. “Social media trends should not define their worth or relationships. Scripture and godly counsel remain the best guides.”

He called on Christians to use Valentine’s Day as a reminder of love that is sacrificial, responsible and reflective of God’s nature.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu

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