By Rihana Adam
Accra, Nov. 03, GNA – Staff of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) have undertaken a 10.9-kilometre health walk from Oyarifa to the Aburi Botanical Gardens to raise awareness about breast and prostate cancer and encourage early detection.
The exercise, organised by the Ghana Revenue Authority Workers Union (GRAWU) on the theme, “Walking for the Breast: Create Awareness, Early Detection Saves Lives,” formed part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The initiative sought to promote regular screening, encourage healthy lifestyles and reduce stigma associated with cancer.
Mr Anthony Kwasi Sarpong, Commissioner-General of the GRA, said the health and well-being of staff were critical to the Authority’s ability to effectively mobilise revenue for national development.
“Our mandate is to collect revenue for the state to undertake development. To do that effectively, we need people who are healthy in mind and body,” he said.
Mr Sarpong noted that the Authority had undertaken a series of activities throughout October to create awareness about breast cancer and promote the health of both male and female staff.
He stressed the importance of early detection in the successful management of cancer and encouraged staff to undergo regular screening and urge others to do the same.
The Commissioner-General said the GRA planned to strengthen the initiative by introducing more structured screening exercises next year and integrating regular breast and prostate cancer checks into its staff health programme.
He also urged staff and the public not to stigmatise persons diagnosed with cancer but rather support them through their treatment and recovery.
Mr Sarpong said similar awareness activities were being held across the Authority’s regional centres, including Bolgatanga, Elubo, Aflao and Kumasi.
Mr Aaron Kanor, Commissioner of the Customs Division, described the walk as a commitment to saving lives through health awareness and preventive care.
He said the GRA would continue to encourage staff to undergo periodic screening at accredited health facilities to facilitate early detection and treatment.
“GRA is interested in your health and well-being. This is a walk for the breast, but ultimately, it is a walk for lives,” he said.
Madam Ivy Adjoa Tettey, National Women’s Organiser of GRAWU, expressed satisfaction with the level of participation and urged women to prioritise regular breast screening.
She reminded participants that breast cancer was a serious health concern and called on women to seek medical attention promptly whenever abnormalities were detected.
Mr Theophilus Kwesi Ehum, National Chairman of GRAWU, said the union’s maiden breast cancer awareness walk was aimed at promoting public education and encouraging regular breast examinations.
He noted that early detection significantly improved treatment outcomes and called on the public to support rather than stigmatise persons living with breast cancer or those who had undergone mastectomy.
Mr Ehum also commended Nationwide Health Insurance for sponsoring the event through the provision of breast cancer screening services and healthcare professionals.
He said the support enabled participants to access professional screening services while promoting the importance of routine medical examinations.
The programme featured aerobics, breast cancer screening, and a kenkey party with staff from various GRA offices, including those in Accra, the Volta Region and the Eastern Region, participating in the exercise.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade