In a remarkable demonstration of leadership and commitment to public health, the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Richard Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, has led a large-scale breast cancer awareness and free screening exercise at the iconic Kejetia Market, reaching hundreds of women with essential health services and education.
The event, organised by the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) in commemoration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, drew an impressive turnout of market women, traders, and other residents, many of whom were screened for the first time. The initiative forms part of the Assembly’s broader strategy to promote early detection, reduce cancer-related deaths, and strengthen community-based healthcare delivery across the metropolis.
Accompanied by his wife, Mrs. Dorcas Ofori-Agyeman Boadi, the Mayor personally engaged with participants, reinforcing the importance of prioritising women’s health and encouraging proactive screening as a crucial step in the fight against breast cancer.
In his address, Hon. Ofori-Agyeman Boadi stated that the Assembly recognises the indispensable role women play in the social and economic fabric of Kumasi, especially within the informal sector. He explained that empowering women with health education and preventive care not only saves lives but also strengthens families and communities.
“Women are the pillars of our markets, our homes, and our city. Yet many of them lack access to basic healthcare, including life-saving screening services. As a city, we have a duty to close that gap. Today’s exercise is about giving our mothers and sisters the tools to protect their lives through early detection,” the Mayor said.
Mrs. Dorcas Ofori-Agyeman Boadi echoed her husband’s sentiments, calling on women not to take changes in their bodies lightly and to prioritise routine self-examinations and professional check-ups. She added that awareness and timely action are key in overcoming breast cancer and urged women to share what they had learned with others.
The screening exercise was led by a team of qualified healthcare professionals who provided free clinical breast examinations, one-on-one consultations, and counselling services. Women were also taken through practical demonstrations on how to perform breast self-examinations and given vital information on identifying early warning signs, reducing risk factors, and seeking timely medical attention.
Held at Kejetia Market—West Africa’s largest open-air market—the exercise was strategically positioned to reach women working in the informal economy, many of whom often forego regular medical check-ups due to time, financial constraints, or lack of awareness. The location ensured that the outreach directly touched a large and diverse group of women who otherwise might have been overlooked.
The response from the women was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed deep appreciation to the Mayor and the KMA for the gesture, describing the initiative as life-changing and long overdue. Several participants shared that this was their first breast examination and called for more of such interventions in other parts of the metropolis.
“Today I feel seen, I feel heard, and I feel cared for,” said Ama Yaa, a provisions seller. “We always hear about cancer on the radio, but no one ever comes to us. This means a lot. Thank you to the Mayor and the Assembly.”
Another trader, Adjoa Serwaa, added, “This education is something I will never forget. I’m going to teach my daughters what I learned today. It could save their lives.”
Also in attendance was Mr. Jones Kani, Acting Metro Coordinating Director, along with heads of departments, unit leaders, and Assembly staff, all of whom actively participated in the exercise and offered their support throughout the day. Their involvement highlighted the Assembly’s unified approach to public health and its resolve to lead from the front.
The breast cancer awareness and screening event forms part of a wider campaign by the KMA to reduce the burden of non-communicable diseases in Kumasi through preventive healthcare, community education, and accessible medical services. The campaign aligns with national health strategies and demonstrates how local government can play a transformative role in advancing healthcare equity.
As part of ongoing efforts, the Assembly is encouraging the public to continue spreading the message of early detection using the hashtags #GetCheckToday and #WhereGhanaHappens, which have gained traction on social media throughout the awareness month.
With hundreds of women screened, educated, and empowered, the Kejetia outreach stands as a strong testament to the KMA’s commitment to building a healthier Kumasi—one woman, one family, and one community at a time.
