The Office of the President, on Friday, October 31, held a commemorative event at the Jubilee House to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month under the theme “Catch it Early, Treat it Right, and Survive it.”
The event brought together policymakers, health professionals, advocates, survivors, and staff of the Presidency to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to early detection, equitable treatment, and sustained public education on breast cancer.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Chief of Staff (Administration) Nana Oye Bampoe Addo said the fight against breast cancer must go beyond awareness to action and access.
She described the disease as both a national health priority and a social equity issue, calling for stronger collaboration between government and civil society to make screening and treatment accessible to all.
“We must resist the temptation of making this theme another slogan because we are losing many friends, loved ones, and colleagues to breast cancer,” she cautioned.
Nana Oye reaffirmed government’s commitment to building a healthier population under the leadership of President John Mahama and Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang.
She cited initiatives such as the Mahama Trust Fund for chronic disease treatment and Lordina Mahama’s nationwide health screening outreaches with the Ghana AIDS Commission.
She said these efforts reflect Ghana’s dedication to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3—reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases like breast cancer by 2030.
Deputy Health Minister Prof. Dr Grace Ayensu-Danquah, who delivered the opening remarks, said government remains focused on strengthening early detection systems and improving cancer care nationwide.
“Our goal is to make early detection routine, not rare,” she said. “Under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, we are equipping our systems to fight breast cancer.”
Medical professionals Dr John Yaw Antwi and Dr Cynthia Amissah led digital demonstrations on breast self-examination, preventive strategies, and treatment options.
They warned that myths and fear often delay treatment and urged open conversations about breast health.
Survivors also shared emotional testimonies moderated by EIB Network broadcaster Lily Mohammed. Their stories underscored one key message—early detection saves lives.
“I am alive today because I checked early,” one survivor said. “No one should wait until it’s too late to know.”
The commemoration ended with a strong call for year-round advocacy. Nana Oye Bampoe Addo and Dr Ayensu-Danquah reaffirmed the government’s dedication to preventive healthcare and cancer treatment infrastructure, emphasising that breast cancer awareness must extend beyond October.
“Let this not end as an October conversation,” a survivor urged.
“Let us carry this message into every home, every school, and every workplace. Saving lives begins with speaking up, checking early, and treating right.”
Through this initiative, the Presidency reaffirmed its commitment to promoting health awareness, empowering individuals, and fostering a culture of preventive healthcare across Ghana.
