Barima Foundation, BCI partner to promote breast cancer awareness at Kumawu

The Barima Foundation has partnered with Breast Care International (BCI) to intensify breast cancer awareness, education, screening, prevention and early detection in the Kumawu Traditional Area in the Ashanti Region.

The partnership seeks to educate residents about breast cancer, encourage regular breast health checks and promote early medical intervention to help reduce late-stage presentation of the disease.

Through community awareness campaigns and screening activities, the initiative is expected to improve understanding of breast cancer and encourage residents to seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes in their breasts.

The collaboration was formalised through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at the Akyerema Palace in Kumawu.

The Paramount Chief of the Kumawu Traditional Area, Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua, and the President of Breast Care International, Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organisations.

The ceremony was witnessed by board members of the Barima Foundation and traditional leaders who gathered at the palace to support the initiative.

The partnership is expected to bring breast cancer education and screening services closer to residents, particularly women who may have limited access to information about the disease and the importance of seeking early medical care.

Speaking at the ceremony, Barima Sarfo Tweneboa Kodua commended Dr Wiafe Addai for her dedication to improving women's health through breast cancer advocacy.

He expressed optimism that the collaboration would help address myths, misconceptions and superstitious beliefs surrounding the disease, which often discourage patients from seeking timely medical attention.

He said sustained education and screening would be essential in helping community members understand breast cancer and overcome the fear and misconceptions that contribute to delays in seeking treatment.

The traditional leader expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen breast health awareness and encourage residents to take preventive measures seriously.

Dr Wiafe Addai, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospitals in Ghana, said the partnership would contribute significantly to addressing late-stage presentation of breast cancer.

She identified inadequate education as one of the factors contributing to delays in diagnosis and treatment, noting that improved awareness could help dispel the belief that a breast cancer diagnosis automatically means death.

She emphasised the importance of early detection and urged women to report to health facilities promptly whenever they notice unusual changes in their breasts.

According to Dr Wiafe Addai, timely medical assessment is essential, adding that breast cancer can be treated successfully, particularly when detected early.

The signing of the MoU preceded a free breast cancer education and screening exercise organised by Breast Care International and Peace and Love Hospitals in Kumawu, led by Dr Wiafe Addai.