News
VRA hospital campaigns against cervical cancer
• Dr Valmont(Inset) addressing participants at the durbar
The Volta River Authority (VRA) Hospital in the Aboadze enclave of the Western Region has set itself to eradicate cervical cancer by 2100, in tandem with World Health Organisation (WHO) targets.
As part of this, the hospital has intensified public education includ ing durbars, medical conference among staff, screening and vaccination of women against the disease that killed about 47,500 in 2020, globally.
On Tuesday, staff of the hospital assisted by management, organised a float from Aboadze through Abuesi, Shama and Inchaban to Aboadze, for durbar to climax the cervical cancer awareness Month which falls on January each year. This year’s theme is “Get informed, get screened, get vaccinated”.
The Medical Superintendent of VRA Hospital, Aboadze, Dr Taurus Valmont, noted that, although, much had been said about cancer of the cervix, it remained a major cause of cancer death in the world.
Dr Valmont said the fight against cervical cancer had been a major objective of VRA medical directorate as it had intensified screening, vaccination and treatment of precancerous conditions at its health establishments.
“The cost of screening is reduced by 50 percent. Screening is done at the VRA Hospital every Wednesday, although, vaccination can be done on every working day. I would like to reiterate the commitment or the VRA to improve health delivery to the communities in the districts.
“I have to say that cervical cancer is still a major killer in our communities. Let’s all come together, get informed and ensure that our women are screened and vaccinated to help eradicate cancer of the cervix,”he said.
District Director of Health, Ms Naa Deide Okai, explained that cervical cancer affected the entrance of the vagina and the uterus, stressing “it could be eradicated.”
She said the cancer affected women and that almost 99 percent of cases were due to human tumour virus commonly transmitted through sex.
Cervical cancer, Ms Okai told the gathering, was the sixth most commonly cancers in women and that 89,500 got infected in 2020.
She advised women aged 30- 45 on the need to be screened and also repeat screening periodically, saying that the girl child between ages nine and 14, could also get vaccinated.
For 2023, she said, the WHO conference held in Cairo, Egypt, on January 13 , had set a 70 percent screening coverage for women between age 35 and 45 and 90 percent treatment for cervical cancer and management for women with cancer by 2030.
On preventive measures, she streesed “safe sex practices including abstinences,being faithful to one’s partner and the use of condom if one cannot abstain.
The Queen mother of Aboadze, Nana Korbabo III, praised the VRA campaign to reduce cervical cancer and encouraged women to participate in sensitisation programmes.
From Clement Adzei Boye, Aboadze
News
Government, GoldFields,reach agreement on Damang Mine
The Government of Ghana and Goldfields Ghana Limited have reached an amicable agreement on a transitional plan for the Damang Mine.
The operational modalities of the transition involve issuing a new 12-month mining lease to Goldfields’ subsidiary, Abosso Goldfields Limited, pending parliamentary ratification in
May 2025.
Under the new arrangement, Goldfields will resume open-pit mining during the transition period, safeguarding jobs and conducting feasibility studies to establish Damang’s reserves and mine life.
At the same time, the processing of existing stockpiles will continue under the supervision of a joint management team composed of representatives from the Government of Ghana
and Goldfields. The two parties will work in good faith to secure a successful transition and eventual transfer of a viable mine to Ghanaian ownership.
Both parties have agreed to advance discussions in good faith on the renewal of the lease for the Tarkwa mine, due in 2027, and pledged to work together to enhance Ghana’s
potential in the mining sector as a favourable investment destination,
News
Ophelia Crossland appointed as new Creative Director of Nineteen57
In an exciting turn for Ghana’s fashion industry, celebrated designer Ophelia Crossland has officially assumed leadership of Nineteen57, the iconic menswear brand founded by her husband, Kofi Okyere-Darko (KOD).
This transition follows KOD’s recent appointment as Director of Diaspora Affairs at the Office of the President—a prestigious national role that reflects his continued service to Ghana on a global scale.
With this new chapter in public service, the reins of Nineteen57 have now passed to Ophelia Crossland, who will take on both the day-to-day operations and creative direction of the brand.
Ophelia Crossland, the CEO and founder of her eponymous womenswear label, brings over a decade of experience in luxury fashion.
Known for her keen eye for detail and mastery in haute couture, her leadership is expected to usher in a new era for Nineteen57—one that blends timeless African sophistication with modern sensibilities for the stylish gentleman.
“Nineteen57 has always stood for bold sophistication and African excellence,” said Ophelia Crossland. I’m excited to build on that legacy and explore new creative horizons with the team,” she said.
The transition marks a defining moment for the fashion power couple—Ophelia taking the creative lead in fashion innovation while KOD serves the nation in his new diplomatic role.
Together, they continue to elevate Ghana’s presence across fashion and governance.
