MTN Ghana has donated a total of GHc 200,000 to support breast cancer awareness and treatment in Ghana.
The donation includes GHc 150,000 to the Breast Cancer Unit of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and GHc 50,000 to Breastcare International.
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Speaking at the donation ceremony, Antoinette Kwofie, Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana and Chairlady of the Yello MTN Ladies Network, said, “We believe that our success is derived from the communities that we operate in and the people we relate to. We believe in constantly giving back.”
Kwofie explained that the company undertook a project in October to raise breast cancer awareness, which included a sponsored walk and fundraising efforts. And the amount raised from stakeholders was matched by the company.
We hope that this donation will go a long way towards supporting breast cancer patients and promoting awareness,” Kwofi added. “We will continue to support breast cancer awareness annually and call on other institutions to join us in this cause.”
The donation will support 14 cancer patients with varying levels of treatment at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
Kwofie emphasized that breast cancer awareness is a cause close to MTN Ghana’s heart, saying, “Too many people die from breast cancer. We are calling on others to join us in this journey. Please come aboard, this journey, come aboard, this track.”
Dr. Josephine Nsaful, General Surgeon at the Breast Surgery Unit, Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, receiving the cheque expressed her gratitude to MTN Ghana for donation to support breast cancer treatment.
This donation is going to make a huge difference in the lives of these ladies, who on their own wouldn’t have been able to fully complete their treatment,” Dr. Nsaful said. “We are most grateful to MTN and the Yellow Ladies for their donation. It’s very much appreciated and will go a long way to make a difference.”
According to Dr. Nsaful, the hospital sees around 600 new breast cancer cases annually, with black women tend to get breast cancer at a younger age. “The main challenge is our mentality, our mindset. People are afraid, that’s why they don’t come early,” she explained.
Dr. Nsaful emphasized that breast cancer can be treated and cured if detected early.
When we remove your breast, it doesn’t mean that you will die. It’s the advanced disease that can kill you,” she said.
The donation will help patients cover costs not fully covered by national health insurance, such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation. “We have patients who start treatment but stop along the way because they can’t afford it,” Dr. Nsaful said.
She commended MTN Ghana for setting an example and urged other organizations to support breast cancer patients financially.
There’s nothing shameful about breast cancer. It’s not a curse, it’s not spiritual. If you hear someone has breast cancer, support them emotionally, be there for them physically, and encourage them to seek appropriate health care.”
Dr. Nsaful also highlighted the need to address stigma surrounding breast cancer in Ghanaian communities. “People tend to look at you funny when they hear you’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer. We want people to know that breast cancer is not contagious and there’s no need to fear.”
MTN Ghana’s initiative aims to promote breast cancer awareness and support patients in Ghana, and the company hopes to inspire others to join the cause.
