The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), in partnership with the Rotary Club of Kumasi Premier International, has organized a free breast and prostate cancer screening exercise for traders at the Bantama Market in Kumasi. The exercise formed part of the activities marking the Pink Month celebration, which focuses on creating awareness on breast cancer and encouraging early detection among women.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Jones Kani, Senior Budget Analyst at the KMA, who represented the Metropolitan Coordinating Director, emphasized that the initiative reflects the Assembly’s commitment to improving the health and well-being of residents within the metropolis. He said breast cancer continues to be a major public health concern in Ghana, and early detection remains the most effective way to reduce mortality associated with the disease. He commended Rotary Club for its long-standing partnership with the Assembly in delivering community health interventions that make a meaningful impact on the lives of ordinary citizens.
Mr. Kani stated that the Assembly recognizes the critical role of women in the local economy, particularly those engaged in market trading, and believes that such health outreach programs are essential in supporting them to remain healthy and productive. He encouraged the traders to take the lessons from the screening seriously and make regular health checks a priority in their lives.
The Secretary of the Rotary Club of Kumasi Premier International, Madam Basola Sefiat, reaffirmed the Club’s dedication to promoting good health and disease prevention in communities. She explained that Rotary International places strong emphasis on humanitarian service, and health-focused initiatives such as this screening exercise are key components of their community development agenda. Madam Sefiat urged market women not to neglect their health because of their busy trading schedules and advised them to seek medical attention whenever they notice unusual changes in their bodies.
The screening attracted a large number of traders, with both women and men taking part in the breast and prostate cancer examinations. Health professionals educated participants on the importance of early detection, self-examination, and adopting healthy lifestyles to prevent diseases. Those whose screening results required further medical attention were referred to appropriate health facilities for follow-up care.
Many of the traders expressed heartfelt appreciation to the KMA and Rotary Club for organizing the exercise. They described it as a timely and thoughtful initiative that has given them the opportunity to check their health status without having to leave their trading activities. Some of them appealed to the organizers to make the program a regular feature in the Bantama Market and extend it to other markets across Kumasi.
The free cancer screening exercise formed part of the broader efforts by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and Rotary Club to promote preventive healthcare, enhance public awareness about life-threatening diseases, and improve the general health of residents. The organizers expressed optimism that such collaborations will continue to make a positive difference in the fight against cancer in the metropolis and beyond.
