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Involve men in breast cancer conversations …Breast cancer advocate

Raisa

Raisa

 A Journalist and breast cancer advocate, Ms Raissa Sambou, has called for the inclusion of men in breast cancer conversations.

She said men play a crucial role in breast cancer conversations, not only because they can be affected by the disease themselves but also because they can help their partners detect early signs.

The inclusion of men in the conversation has dominated discussion on the disease during an ongoing door-to-door campaign to raise awareness on breast cancer in rural communities, focusing on both men and women who often lack access to healthcare information and treatment.

Ms Sambou, a breast cancer survivor, told The Spectator that her campaign aims to educate people in an underserved areas on early detection and prevention.

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Ms Sambou interacting with some  fishermen in Tomefa
Ms Sambou interacting with some fishermen in Tomefa

According to Ms Sambou, by encouraging and reminding women to perform regular self-breast examinations, men can support early detection, which is key to successful treatment.

“Unfortunately, there have been instances where men have distanced themselves from their wives or engaged in infidelity following breast cancer treatments, particularly when it involves the loss of a breast.

“Through education, these situations can be minimised, as men learn to be more empathetic and supportive, understanding the physical and emotional toll the disease takes on their partners,” she explained.

Educating men on these issues fosters stronger familial bonds and helps reduce stigma and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer.

“Men should not be excluded from breast cancer conversations because they can also be affected by the disease,” she said.

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Additionally, she noted that when a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, the entire family is impacted, hence the need for men to be educated on how they can provide emotional and practical support during such difficult times.

Through her initiative, dubbed ‘The Raissa Child Protection Initiative,’ the award winning journalist advocates for the wellbeing of children by empowering their parents to take better care of them.

“If parents are not healthy, they cannot care for their children,” she noted, stressing the importance of health in child protection efforts.

She revealed that the campaign, which began in Tomefa, a fishing community in the Ga South Municipality, also seeks to dispel the misconceptions surrounding breast cancer in rural areas, where fear and stigma often prevent early treatment.

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Ms Sambou states that the initiative was to expand to parts of the Eastern and Central regions, with the goal of improving awareness and saving lives in areas where access to healthcare is limited.

She also underscored the importance of adopting a preventive approach to managing chronic health issues, especially given the limited resources at many healthcare facilities in Ghana.

She also expressed concern that rural residents often have to travel long distances across regions to access basic medical services like mammograms and CT scans.

This, Ms Sambou noted, contributes to the high number of undiagnosed cancers and late-stage diagnoses, which severely impact treatment outcomes.

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She further lamented that even in cases of early detection, the lack of adequate cancer treatment equipment in the country often hampers patient survival.

At the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, the nation’s largest referral centre, she explained that only two radiotherapy machines serve hundreds of patients, forcing many to wait for months before receiving treatment.

“My campaign is not only focused on awareness but also on advocacy for improved healthcare infrastructure, especially in rural communities, to ensure that early detection leads to timely and effective treatment,” she added.

By Jemima Esinam Kuatsinu

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Miss Malaika Ghana Glow Up Finale Beckons: A new Queen is coming

The stage is set for one of Ghana’s most anticipated and prestigious event of the Year, Miss Malaika Ghana Glow Up Finale.

On Saturday, November 16, the Palms Convention Center at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel will play host to a dazzling evening of beauty, intelligence, and talent as 10 exceptional young women compete for the coveted title of Miss Malaika Ghana 2024.

This landmark event marks the culmination of 11 weeks of intense competition and personal growth for the contestants, as well as 22 years of excellence for the Miss Malaika Ghana pageant.

The Road to the Finale
Through it all, the remaining 10 finalists have proven their mettle and earned their place on the grand stage.

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Now, they stand on the precipice of a life-changing moment, with one burning question on everyone’s minds: Who will be crowned the Miss Malaika Glow Up Queen? Who wins the brand new JAC JS2, the Cash Prize and the bragging rights of Miss Malaika Glow Up Queen?

According to the project lead, Teddy Nanor on the expectations on the finale, he stated “We are thrilled to witness the culmination of an incredible journey at this year’s grand finale. Our delegates have demonstrated resilience, intelligence, and passion throughout months of transformation, proving that Miss Malaika Ghana is more than just a pageant—it’s a platform that empowers young women to pursue their dreams and make a positive impact.”

He added ” This year’s grand finale is set to crown a new queen who embodies beauty, confidence, and leadership, and we invite everyone to join us in celebrating these exceptional women.”

The Glow Up Finale Experience

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The Miss Malaika Ghana Glow Up Finale promises to be a night of unparalleled glamour and entertainment.

Attendees can look forward to: A Showcase of Beauty and Brains – The 10 finalists will demonstrate their intelligence, talent, and grace through a series of challenges and presentations.

From thought-provoking Q&A sessions to dazzling evening gown displays, every aspect of their preparedness for the crown will be put to the test by a panel of esteemed judges, comprised of industry leaders and cultural icons.

Their expertise and discerning eyes will ensure that the most deserving contestant is crowned. The night will also witness Star-Studded Performances from some of Ghana’s top artists; Camidoh, Fameye, OliveTheBoy, and many more.

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More Than Just a Beauty Pageant
As we approach the crowning of the 22nd Miss Malaika Ghana, it’s important to reflect on the deeper significance of this event. Beyond the glitz and glamour lies a powerful vehicle for positive change in Ghanaian society.

The pageant continues to evolve, embracing new technologies and addressing contemporary issues to remain relevant and impactful. With each passing year, the competition raises the bar, attracting an ever-more impressive pool of contestants and producing queens who are truly prepared to make a difference in the world.

The Glow Up Finale on November 16th is not just the end of one journey but the beginning of another. As one young woman’s life is forever changed by donning the crown, a new chapter in the storied history of Miss Malaika Ghana will begin. For the lucky winner, this night will mark the start of a transformative year filled with opportunities for growth, service, and leadership.

Miss Malaika Ghana is a Charterhouse Production initiative and sponsored by Club shandy, Brussels Airlines, Big Blue Resort, Tryton Motors, The Pinnacle Apartments and The Cruise People.

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Pres Akufo-Addo, traditional rulers grace 2024 Hogbetsotso

Some of the women display their cultural at the Hogbetsotsoza.

Some of the women display their cultural at the Hogbetsotsoza.

 A portray of Ghana’s rich cultur­al heritage was mounted at the 2024 Hogbetsotso Za festival on Saturday, November 2, in Keta in the Volta Region.

Themed “Strengthening bonds and embracing our shared heritage,” it drew numerous figures includ­ing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, government officials and Members of Parliament, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, running mate of Mr John Dramani Mahama of the NDC in the December election, among others.

The event was also graced by the Overlord of the Anlo state, the Awomefia Togbe Sri III, the Para­mount Chief of the Oguaa Tradi­tional Area, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta II; and a host of other traditional rulers, with representatives from almost every paramount chief in the country.

The grand durbar showcased the vibrant culture of the Anlo people amidst drumming, singing, and dance performances.

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‘Hogbetsotso’ is derived from the word ‘Hogbe’ or ‘Hohogbe,’ trans­lated to mean the day of exodus.

It marks the moment in time when the Ewes in the Dogbo quarter of the walled city of Notsie in Togo, escaped from the tyran­nical ruler Agorkorli by walking backwards.

In order to com­memorate the exodus and the bravery of their traditional rulers who led them on the journey, the people created the annual festi­val now referred to as ‘Festival of the Exodus.’

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