News
VRA hospital campaigns against cervical cancer
• Dr Valmont(Inset) addressing participants at the durbar
The Volta River Authority (VRA) Hospital in the Aboadze enclave of the Western Region has set itself to eradicate cervical cancer by 2100, in tandem with World Health Organisation (WHO) targets.
As part of this, the hospital has intensified public education includ ing durbars, medical conference among staff, screening and vaccination of women against the disease that killed about 47,500 in 2020, globally.
On Tuesday, staff of the hospital assisted by management, organised a float from Aboadze through Abuesi, Shama and Inchaban to Aboadze, for durbar to climax the cervical cancer awareness Month which falls on January each year. This year’s theme is “Get informed, get screened, get vaccinated”.
The Medical Superintendent of VRA Hospital, Aboadze, Dr Taurus Valmont, noted that, although, much had been said about cancer of the cervix, it remained a major cause of cancer death in the world.
Dr Valmont said the fight against cervical cancer had been a major objective of VRA medical directorate as it had intensified screening, vaccination and treatment of precancerous conditions at its health establishments.
“The cost of screening is reduced by 50 percent. Screening is done at the VRA Hospital every Wednesday, although, vaccination can be done on every working day. I would like to reiterate the commitment or the VRA to improve health delivery to the communities in the districts.
“I have to say that cervical cancer is still a major killer in our communities. Let’s all come together, get informed and ensure that our women are screened and vaccinated to help eradicate cancer of the cervix,”he said.
District Director of Health, Ms Naa Deide Okai, explained that cervical cancer affected the entrance of the vagina and the uterus, stressing “it could be eradicated.”
She said the cancer affected women and that almost 99 percent of cases were due to human tumour virus commonly transmitted through sex.
Cervical cancer, Ms Okai told the gathering, was the sixth most commonly cancers in women and that 89,500 got infected in 2020.
She advised women aged 30- 45 on the need to be screened and also repeat screening periodically, saying that the girl child between ages nine and 14, could also get vaccinated.
For 2023, she said, the WHO conference held in Cairo, Egypt, on January 13 , had set a 70 percent screening coverage for women between age 35 and 45 and 90 percent treatment for cervical cancer and management for women with cancer by 2030.
On preventive measures, she streesed “safe sex practices including abstinences,being faithful to one’s partner and the use of condom if one cannot abstain.
The Queen mother of Aboadze, Nana Korbabo III, praised the VRA campaign to reduce cervical cancer and encouraged women to participate in sensitisation programmes.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Aboadze
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Govt urged to provide safe, supportive environment for menstruating girls
The government has been urged to take urgent steps toward providing a safe and supportive environment for menstruating girls to ensure proper personal hygiene and promote school attendance.
Sarah Nkansah Boateng, a midwife at the Eastern Regional Hospital made the call during a forum organised as part of activities to observe Menstrual Hygiene Day celebration in the New Juaben North Municipality of the Eastern Region.
The event was held under the theme “Together for a Period-Friendly World.”
She noted that many girls skip school during their menstrual periods due to a lack of access to sanitary products and appropriate spaces to change them.
“The basic necessities for these girls are not being provided; creating a safe and enabling environment is crucial,” Madam Boateng emphasized.
She called on school authorities and policymakers to prioritise the construction of hygienic and private changing spaces in schools.
She further appealed for a collective effort to address menstrual health challenges affecting girls in the community.
The New Juaben North Municipal Director of Health Services, Nana Yaa Konadu, also highlighted her office’s initiatives in both school-based and community clinics to educate young girls on menstrual hygiene.
She stressed the health implications of poor menstrual hygiene, saying, “When girls lack access to sanitary pads and a clean environment, it can negatively impact their reproductive health.”
Madam Konadu warned that the absence of menstrual hygiene facilities and products left some girls vulnerable to exploitation, increasing the risk of teenage pregnancy.
The Municipal Chief Executive for New Juaben North, Mr Samuel Adongo, described menstruation as a natural biological process and not a taboo or burden.
He expressed concern over the poor state of sanitation facilities in schools.
“I have visited almost all public schools in the municipality, and none has a proper, standard toilet facility suitable for girls,” he stated.
Mr Adongo assured that the assembly would work to create an enabling environment to reduce school absenteeism related to menstruation.
“Too many girls are missing school because of their menstrual cycle, and this is unacceptable,” he added.
From Ama Tekyiwaa Ampadu Agyeman, Koforidua
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Akwesi Agyeman, Ekpe vow to lead GJA to ‘era of purpose and professionalism’
As the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) prepares for its national elections, two of the key contenders, General Secretary Aspirant Akwasi Agyeman and Vice Presidential hopeful Rebecca Ekpe have called for a return to ethical journalism, stronger mentorship and institutional reforms.
They both made the remarks during separate visits to The Spectator and The Ghanaian Times, respectively to solicit for votes.
Akwasi Agyeman, an Editor with Multimedia is seeking to lead the association into what he calls a “new era of purpose and professionalism.”
He stressed the urgent need to reposition the GJA as a strong and relevant voice in national affairs.
“We cannot continue with business as usual. The GJA must be visible, active, and fearless in advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists,” he said during a meeting with media practitioners in Accra.
Mr. Agyeman noted that his leadership will focus on building partnerships, improving member services, and restoring the dignity of the Association. “We need to rekindle the spirit of solidarity within the GJA and provide real value to members, especially the younger generation,” he added.
Ms Rebecca Ekpe, a respected Broadcast Journalist and Editor, echoed similar sentiments in her call for mentorship and capacity building.
“I discovered through my journey that journalism is not just my job, it is who I am. My path in journalism was shaped by my seniors in the newsroom, and now I feel called to give back,” she said.
Ms Ekpe envisions a GJA where senior journalists regularly engage with young professionals through face-to-face mentoring and training platforms. “Even if you attend a session and pick just one idea, it could change the course of your career,” she remarked.
She also raised concerns about the rise of misinformation and the blurred lines between journalism and social media content creation. “People sit online insulting others and call themselves journalists. When they are attacked, GJA defends them, but we must ask: are they truly journalists? We must protect the integrity of our profession,” she stressed.
The Editor of The Spectator, Mrs Georgina N.M Quaittoo wished them well in their campaigns and quest to serve the GJA.
By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu
