Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has issued a passionate call for action as she launched the 2025 Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection.
Under the theme “Catch it Early; Treat it Right; Survive it,” the campaign is more than an annual ritual – it is a life-saving mission. Breast cancer continues to be one of the greatest threats to women’s health, and the Vice President made it clear: the difference between survival and loss often comes down to early detection and access to treatment.
She urged Ghanaians to embrace regular screening and self-examination as everyday practices, not occasional choices. “This theme is a collective call to action,” she stressed, reminding the public that cancer is not a personal failure but a health challenge that demands empathy, dignity, and support for patients and survivors alike.
The launch, which also coincided with the International Day of Older Persons, featured free breast cancer screening for staff and the public, and NHIS registration for the elderly – clear proof that awareness must translate into action.
In her remarks, the Vice President also paid tribute to Ghana’s elderly, calling for greater respect, protection, and care for older persons, whose wisdom and sacrifices continue to shape the nation. “Their experiences are a resource; their wellbeing is our responsibility,” she declared.
Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, presented the Ministry’s achievements, including the passage of the Social Protection Act, Cabinet’s approval of the Revised Gender Policy, and reforms in the LEAP cash grant. Commending the Minister, the Vice President reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to gender equity, health, and social protection.
The message from Accra was unambiguous: breast cancer awareness is not about one month in a calendar – it is about saving lives every day. Every Ghanaian has a role:
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Women and men must screen regularly.
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Communities must fight stigma and offer support.
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Policymakers and health institutions must strengthen access to affordable care.
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Families must stand with patients, not isolate them.
The launch ended with the unveiling of the 2025 campaign – a symbolic reminder that Ghana cannot afford silence, delay, or neglect.
The Vice President’s call was clear: early detection is power, treatment is a right, and survival is possible – but only if we act together.
