Vice President Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has underscored the importance of early detection in the fight against breast cancer, stressing that regular screenings and self-examinations remain “critical to saving lives.” She made the call in Accra when she launched the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection’s Pink October breast cancer awareness campaign.
October is globally recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and this year, the Ministry has rolled out a series of education and screening activities for its staff, market women, students and elderly citizens. The campaign, led by Gender Minister Dr. Naa Momo Lartey, seeks to deepen public awareness about breast health and encourage women to undergo regular medical checks.
At the same event, which also coincided with the United Nations International Day of Older Persons (October 1), the Ministry celebrated the contributions of older Ghanaians to national development. Minister Dr. Naa Momo Lartey announced plans to build 16 shelters nationwide, with at least one dedicated solely to housing the elderly.
To mark the day, elderly participants were registered onto the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) free of charge and given complimentary breast screenings. The Ministry also unveiled a new Day Care Centre at its headquarters to support staff in enrolling their infants for early childhood education.
Story: Nancy Obimpeh
