News
Hundreds walk to create awareness on cancer
A section of the participants at the walk
Hundreds of cancer survivors embarked on a walk in some parts of Accra to raise awareness on the disease and its effects on victims and their relatives.
The event, organised by the Cancer Support Network Foundation (CSNF), commenced from the Accra Girls Senior High School near the 37 Military Hospital, winding its way through major streets in the area.
Participants actively engaged in the cause by displaying placards bearing inspirational messages, emphasising the urgent need to combat cancer.
This collective effort was not confined to the streets, as street vendors and drivers stuck in traffic were handed informational flyers detailing crucial facts about cancer.
The outreach extended to fuel attendants along the streets, ensuring that even those outside the immediate walking path were educated about the significance of cancer awareness.
This holistic approach aligns with the CSNF’s broader mission to disseminate knowledge and foster a culture of understanding regarding the disease.
The initiative, part of the NGO’s activities in observance of World Cancer Awareness Month, held annually in February, garnered appreciation from participants and onlookers alike.
The President of the CSNF, Mr Akwesi Osei Owusu, expressed gratitude to everyone who joined hands to make the day impactful.
He reserved special appreciation for the founder of the NGO, Dr Juliet Appiah Quansah, a Medical Oncologist whose unwavering commitment has been pivotal in supporting cancer patients in Ghana, especially those facing financial barriers to treatment.
During the event, Ms Raissa Sambou, an executive member of the CSNF, touched on the importance of taking cancer screening seriously.
Drawing from her personal experience as a cancer survivor, Ms Sambou mentioned the significance of early detection in effective treatment.
She also urged the public not to wait until it was too late, as delaying diagnosis could worsen the condition and reduce the likelihood of successful treatment.
Ms. Sambou called on the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to adopt a preventive approach in dealing with cancer, advocating for increased access to screening and treatment centers across the nation, especially in rural communities.
Her plea was rooted in the belief that enhancing accessibility would ultimately contribute to saving lives and reducing the impact of cancer on individuals and communities.
BY Raissa Sambou
News
‘Nipahiamoa’ residents cry for basic social amenities
Residents of a farming community in the Nkoranza North District of the Bono East Region are living under conditions that directly reflect or connote the name of the township, Nipahiamoa.
The name of the town, Nipahiamoa, when translated directly means ‘humans need help.’
Despite the contribution in ensuring there is sufficient food in not only the region but the country at large, Nipahiamoa lacks basic social amenities to make life enjoyable after their farming activities.
water for the people of Nipahiamoa
According to some of the members of the community that The Spectator spoke to during a visit to the area, they lacked basic needs such as potable water, health post, among others.
This, they claimed, was impacting negatively on their general wellbeing and appealed to authorities to come to their aid.
The Unit Committee chairman of Nipahiamoa, Mr James Najohnbo, told this paper on Thursday that successive governments have neglected the town over the years.
“It is the reason we are where we are today in this era of development. Some people poke fun that our condition is a reflection of the name of the town but I don’t believe that. We have been neglected by governments over the years. There are no government initiatives here,” he explained.
The community, inhabited by over one thousand people, mostly settlers, is located on the Techiman-Kintampo stretch of the Trans-ECOWAS highway which connect from Tema to Mali.
Mr Najohnbo, who conducted this reporter around, revealed that a borehole constructed for the community by the former Member of Parliament for Nkoranza North, Major Derrick Oduro, had since broke down, compelling the people to turn to the Bono manso waterfalls which they trek several kilometres for their source of water.
Mr Najohnbo stated that their children are not left out in this challenges as they had to trek to either Manso or Dweneho, about two kilometres to access healthcare and education.
He added that a wooden structure constructed in 1994 currently serves as the only primary school for the community.
“Our kids had to trek several kilometres to Manso to attend school which come at cost to most parents.”
A 30-year old hairdresser, Rebecca Dibenpong, also appealed to authorities to come up with income generating activities to boost economic lives of the people.
She alleged that politicians often claimed they don’t have enough numbers to attract development, hence such initiatives were directed to bigger communities.
Like the name suggest, Nipahiamoa, the community needs urgent attention to make life meaningful for the people who contribute to the national economy by way of their farming activities.
From Daniel Dzirasah, Nipahiamoa
News
Maternal mortality rate increases in Ashanti Region
The Ghana Health Service has revealed a staggering statistic of 1,000 women losing their lives during childbirth in the Ashanti Region between 2020 and 2024.
This alarming number, according to the Regional Health Director, Dr Frank Adomanko Boateng, highlights the persistent challenge of maternal mortality in Ghana, despite efforts to improve maternal healthcare.
Dr Adomanko Boateng, therefore emphasized on an urgent need for stronger interventions to curb the high rate of maternal deaths.
Speaking at the 2024 Regional Health Forum, he indicated that “Ghana is struggling to meet the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing maternal mortality to 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.”
Dr Boateng stressed that time was of the essence, saying, “The clock is ticking, and we must double our efforts.”
He called for intensified measures over the next six years to bridge the gap and prevent further loss of lives.
Ghana’s maternal mortality ratio, he noted, has been declining from 760 deaths per 100,000 live births in 1990 to 310 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2017.
However, “the country still faces significant challenges in reducing maternal mortality, particularly in regions like Ashanti.”
To address the issue, he said, Ghana has been working to improve maternal healthcare through various initiatives, including the Network for Improving Quality of Care for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health.
The country aims to reduce maternal mortality by strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to quality care, and enhancing community engagement
From Kingsley E. Hope,
Kumasi
