News
Dispel superstition, stigmatisation about breast cancer …families,friends of survivors told
● Madam Abudu
A breast cancer survivor, Madam Atika Abudu, has asked family members and friends to support breast cancer patients to help them cope with the disease treatment and management.
According to Madam Atika, the lack or limited support from family and friends could also lead to emotional distress among breast cancer patients.
She said this in an interview with The Spectator in Accra during the lunch of Breast Society of Ghana (BSoG), a fortnight ago.
The 38-year old Midwife at the Nyankpala Health Center in the Tolon District of the Northern region said some family members believe that this illness was punishment from supernatural forces or curses, hence the lack of support.
She said being diagnosed of the disease can affect one’s mental health, leading to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
She said the support could be in the form of finance, privacy, emotional and psychological, adding that such support helps promote understanding and empathy for breast cancer patients.
Madam Abudu said it also boosts confidence, fights stigmatisation and helps the patient receive timely and appropriate medical care.
She said when she was diagnosed of the disease, her family initially expressed shock, concern, and fear, adding that her husband was concerned about the impact on their family’s reputation and future.
Madam Abudu said “till date my family never believed it was cancer.”
Madam Abudu called on health authorities to raise awareness, improve healthcare access, and help dispel superstitions and stigmatisation of the disease especially in the Northern region.
She also urged government to provide a mammogram machine for the Tamale Teaching Hospital (TTH) as patients would spend huge sums of money to travel to Kumasi or Accra to have their mammogram sessions.
By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu
News
President Mahama confers with Niger Head of State
President John Mahama continued his visit to West African states in pursuit of Ghana’s long-standing foreign policy of good neighbourliness.
On Sunday, he travelled to Niamey, Niger to hold talks with General Abdourahamane Tchiani, President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland.
The two leaders held closed-door meetings and later an expanded bilateral meeting with their delegations in the presidential palace.
A communique issued after the engagements confirmed that discussions focused on enhanced security cooperation in the Sahel and West African region to combat terrorism, improved and unimpeded trade between the two countries, and strengthening bilateral ties.
President Tchiani raised the need for collaboration and recognition of the Alliance of Sahel States by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), with President Mahama emphasising the need for greater collaboration to fight terrorism, which threatens not only the Sahel region but also countries further down towards the coast.
Mr Mahama used the occasion to thank his Nigerien counterpart for sending a delegation to his inauguration on January 7, 2025, noting that Ghana and Niger have for many decades cooperated in the areas of trade as Ghana imports many agricultural products from Niger.
News
Stonebwoy’s electrifying London concert : A Story of Resilience and Triumph
London came alive as one of Ghana’s finest musical exports, Stonebwoy rocked thousands at the Up and Running Tour concert held at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire.
The show opened with Stonebwoy emerging in silhouette form, standing atop a riser.
The shadowed figure created an air of mystery, leaving the crowd eager to see the man behind the shape.
As the opening notes of his song “Hero” filled the venue, the lights dramatically revealed him now fully visible — wearing a striking ensemble that told a deeper story.
Stonebwoy’s attire was no accident he wore a tattered jacket, Rick Owens pants and Balenciaga footwear adorned with chains.This look wasn’t just fashion; it symbolized resilience.
The torn clothes represented the negativity, criticism, and adversity he’s faced as a visual metaphor for the attempts to tear him down.
The chains further amplified this, reflecting the weight of judgment and challenges placed upon him.
Despite it all, there he stood proud, powerful, and still standing tall as a hero for his people.
The transition into up and running set:
In a powerful shift, Stonebwoy’s second set began from the upper level of the crowd, this time dressed in pristine white.
This transition was a statement no matter how much negativity is thrown his way, no matter how hard people try to break him, he remains true to his purpose: uplifting and inspiring his fans.
His presence among the crowd symbolized his unwavering connection to the people, a reminder that his journey, his struggles, and his triumphs are all for them.
