The University of Environment and Sustainable Development (UESD) Ladies Club has launched its Cancer Awareness Programme as part of activities marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month.It was organised in collaboration with the 5th anniversary Planning Committee, Senior Staff Association on campus and Sina Eye Clinic in Tema.
At a ceremony held at the Auditorium, Multipurpose Building of the University, the event, on the theme: “Screen Today, Live Tomorrow,” highlighted the critical importance of early detection and routine health screening in the fight against breast, cervical, and prostate cancers. The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, the Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, Management members, representatives of the four labour unions, and members of the Ladies Club. Special guests were drawn from GCB Bank PLC, Manaya Krobo Rural Bank, and the Ghana Education Service (GES).
The month of October, globally recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, served as a fitting backdrop for this impactful initiative.
In a welcome address, the President of the UESD Ladies Club, Ms. Philomena Ekpeh, reiterated the importance of self-care and early screening, noting that “the choices we make today can save the lives we cherish tomorrow.” She urged participants to make the event a turning point by prioritizing their health and encouraging others to go for screening.
Ms. Ekpeh noted that the UESD Ladies Club is proud to champion the cause of cancer awareness, using its platform to inspire conversations, support screenings, and spread hope across the campus and beyond. She expressed appreciation to the Club’s partners, sponsors, and resource persons for their support in making the programme a success.
The launch featured storytelling, drama, discussions, and reflection sessions aimed at breaking the silence, fighting stigma, and inspiring hope. The afternoon was rich with emotion and engagement as Mrs. Sandra Lovely Owusu of GCB Bank PLC and Registrar, Mrs. Mary Abena Agyepong, captivated the audience with personal and moving storytelling sessions that underscored the reality of living with and surviving cancer.
Two stirring drama presentations by the UESD Ladies Club Drama Group, titled “Beyond the Mask” and “The Weight of Strength,” explored the emotional and psychological toll of cancer diagnoses and the inner strength required to overcome them. The performances sparked a thought-provoking discussion led by Dr. Hammond Oppong Kwarteng, Deputy Registrar, who emphasised the importance of empathy, support, and awareness.
The official launch of the programme was performed by the chairman of the occasion Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, who is also the Patron of the Club, in the company of invited dignitaries and union heads. He commended members of the Club for taking bold steps to lead such a vital campaign. He stressed the University’s commitment to health advocacy and reiterated the importance of supporting one another in both awareness and action.
“The health and well-being of our staff and students is paramount. Today, we have seen the power of unity and purpose. Let this not end here — let this be the beginning of consistent, collective action towards a healthier UESD community,”
— Prof. Eric Nyarko-Sampson, Vice-Chancellor, UESD.
There were solidarity messages from the labour unions on campus: the Teachers and Educational Workers’ Union (TEWU), Senior Staff Association of Ghana (SSAG), Ghana Association of University Administrators (GAUA), and the University Teachers Association of Ghana (UTAG). Other goodwill messages were received from GCB PLC, Manaya Krobo Rural Bank, and GES.
A fundraising segment led by Ms. Joyce Anastasia Sam,Internal Audit Director, saw members of the University community contributing generously to support future screening and education programmes. The funds will be used to facilitate outreach and screening exercises across the region.
Other programmes lined up for the rest of the period include screening and educational sessions on the theme “Screen Today, Live Tomorrow.”