The Greater Accra Chapter of the Forestry Commission Ladies Association (FCLA) in collaboration with the Human Resource Department of the Forestry Commission|(FC) have joined the global campaign against breast cancer with an event held under the theme, “Early Action, Better Outcomes.” The program sought to raise awareness about breast cancer and encouraged all participants to undergo screening, emphasising that early detection saves lives.
Delivering the welcome address and purpose of gathering, Ms, Juliana Amoah, the Chapter President, extended her warm greetings and best wishes to participants. She mentioned the program was more than an awareness program but an opportunity to educate, encourage one another, break the silence surrounding breast cancer and remind ourselves that our health deserves attention. She further emphasized that the early detection with the appropriate treatment saves lives. Hence not a death sentence, but rather a time to seek early and appropriate treatment. She was pleased to announce that this year’s awareness and screening included Prostate Cancer.
She further entreated men and women to pay attention to their bodies, and seek professional medical care promptly.
Delivering a message on behalf of Madam Valerie Fummey-Nassah, the National President, Mrs. Winifred Ohene-Wiafe, expressed her profound gratitude to all participants and encouraged men and women to take our education on both breast and Prostate cancer serious. She stated that this year’s theme reminds us of the fact that early detection saves lives and as such all should take this opportunity to get screened.
Delivering the solidarity address on behalf of the CE of Forestry Commission, Dr Hugh C. A. Brown, Hon. Timothy A. Awontiirim, Acting Deputy Chief Executive, commended the FCLA for the initiative in raising the breast and prostate awareness. He emphasized on the fact that these two health conditions really prompt us to be very proactive about our own wellbeing.
He mentioned that as an organization, the greatest asset are our people, our staff because the success of the organization depends largely on the good health of our staff. “A healthy workforce is a great asset to every organization”
He also admonished all not to allow fear, busy schedules or embarrassment prevent anyone from accessing medical care.
He assured all present that FC will continue to promote a culture of care and support to staff when it comes to the health of staff.
Dr. Abdul Nasir Abubakar, Acting Director of Human Resources, delivered a thought-provoking message that challenged traditional perceptions. He declared breast cancer as a “100% issue that affects men”, explaining that men are equally affected whenever a woman in their life is diagnosed with the disease. “Men and women live together; men cannot do without women,” he stated. “When a woman suffers, a man suffers too.” He called on all men to actively participate in the fight against breast cancer, emphasising that a life free of breast cancer is a shared responsibility.
Dr. Sandra Ashong, CEO of Easy HealthWase before the screening did a presentation to educate participants on the importance of early detection, describing it as the key to saving lives. She explained that breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in Ghana. She advised women to perform self-breast examinations once every month and to seek medical attention if they notice any unusual changes. She also discussed causes including genetics, hormonal factors, obesity, alcohol use, and radiation exposure, while highlighting that treatment and recovery depend heavily on early diagnosis.
Mrs. Thelma Adja-Kwaku, senior midwifery officer at Easy HealthWase, took participants through a session of self-examination which she explained should be at least once every month in order to help early detection and proper treatment.
The program concluded with a health screening exercise which saw the participation of staff of the Commission
