News:
October 26, 2026
The Speaker of Parliament, Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, has urged Parliament to champion policies that make breast cancer screening affordable and accessible, particularly for women and girls.
He said such policies are critical to enabling early detection and improving survival rates. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 breast health awareness campaign in Parliament on Wednesday, October 22, Mr. Bagbin emphasized that Parliament’s role must extend beyond awareness creation to include policy, legislation, oversight, and practical support.
“We must continue to support policies that promote accessibility and affordable screening,” he said in an address read on his behalf.
The campaign, held under the theme “Early action, better outcomes,” was jointly organized by Parliament and the Korle Klottey Municipal Health Directorate. It brought together physician specialists from Parliament Medical and the Greater Accra Regional Hospital to provide screening and counselling for staff of Parliament.
Removing Barriers to Access
The Speaker stressed that efforts to combat breast cancer must include practical measures to remove financial and other barriers that prevent people from seeking care.
“What happens if you discover a lump and there is no access to the health centre? What happens if you discover a lump and you cannot afford [treatment]?” he asked.
He noted that even when individuals detect unusual changes, they can still face significant difficulties accessing health facilities or paying for services. This, he said, underscores the need for policies that make screening available and affordable for all who need them.
Mr. Bagbin also called for the creation of supportive environments in workplaces and public institutions where people feel encouraged to seek medical attention without fear, stigma, or discrimination.
Alarming Statistics and a Call to Action
Citing disturbing statistics, Mr. Bagbin revealed that Ghana records an estimated 5,500 new breast cancer cases each year, with nearly 50 percent of diagnosed women dying from a disease that is often curable.
He therefore emphasized the urgent need for prompt action when symptoms are noticed, urging women not to let fear or other responsibilities delay their medical care.
“If you find a lump, if you find something unusual about the breast, do not say I will do it next month,” he said. “Do not say I need permission from my husband and do not say I have to look after the children… you must be alive to look after the children.”
A Plea to End Stigma
The Speaker also made a strong call to end the stigma and discrimination against people who have undergone treatment for breast cancer, including those who have had a mastectomy.
“Why would we stigmatise someone who has had half her breast cut off because of cancer?” he quizzed, reminding the public that the disease can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
Investing in Women and Services
The Minister of Environment, Science and Technology and Member of Parliament for Korle Klottey, Dr. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, called for greater participation of women in science, particularly in the development of diagnostic and treatment technologies tailored to women’s needs.
“We need more women at the helm of innovation when it comes to the equipment for diagnosis and treatment, especially looking through the lens of women,” she advised.
The Clerk-to-Parliament, Ebenezer Ahumah Djietror, urged public authorities to invest in accessible breast cancer services and challenged the media to give greater attention to health education.
“To public authorities, invest in accessible services and ensure awareness is matched by capacity to diagnose,” he said.
Ghanamps.com