The Mayor of Kumasi, Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, on Thursday, October 16, 2025, led a breast cancer awareness and free screening exercise at the Kejetia Market as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

The initiative, organised by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), targeted market women and traders to educate them on the dangers of breast cancer and the importance of early detection.

Addressing the gathering, Boadi highlighted the severity of cancer when left untreated, “Cancer is like any other illness, but the difference is that if it is not detected early, it can destroy internal organs and result in death,” he warned.

He urged women to take advantage of the global awareness month to get screened, adding, “If your screening shows nothing, you are free to go about your work. But if something is found early, doctors can treat it before it worsens.”

Boadi also expressed concern over the general attitude of Ghanaians toward healthcare, stressing that many people ignore health issues until they become critical.

He encouraged regular medical checkups as a preventive measure and reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to promoting public health awareness.

Also speaking at the event, Priscilla Serwaah Bonsu, Senior Nursing Officer at the Breast Care Clinic of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), emphasised that fear often keeps women from seeking medical attention:

“Not every lump is cancerous, but early detection is key. Many women stay away from the hospital out of fear,” she noted.

She cited smoking, alcohol use, and family history as known risk factors and urged women to be proactive about their health.