Speaker Bagbin leads breast cancer awareness drive

As part of Ghana’s observance of October as the Pink Month, dedicated to breast cancer awareness, Speaker of Parliament, Alban Bagbin, has made a striking financial contribution towards the fight against breast cancer.

Speaking on the floor of Parliament on Friday, October 31, 2025, Bagbin announced that each Member of Parliament would have GH₵1,000 deducted from their November salary, with his own top-up of GH₵24,000, culminating in a GH₵300,000 donation to the Breast Society of Ghana.

Bagbin’s remarks extended beyond financial support and urged wives to actively involve their husbands in breast health, encouraging them to teach their partners how to perform breast screenings.

In a controversial yet candid moment, Bagbin also advised women not to “imprison” their breasts in brassieres, suggesting that openness and regular checks were vital in the fight against breast cancer.

His comments, though unconventional, were aimed at breaking cultural taboos and promoting early cancer detection.

By framing breast health as a shared responsibility within families, Mr Bagbin emphasised the importance of awareness, education, and proactive care.

The Speaker’s initiative adds momentum to Pink Month activities nationwide, reinforcing the message that breast cancer is not just a women’s issue—it is a societal one.

Dr Mahama Tia Kabiru, Member of Parliament for Walewale, while contributing to the discussion, described the breast as an “endangered organ” due to the rising threat of cancer.

He emphasised that while women were the biological hosts of the breast, its benefits extended to babies and husbands, making its care a shared responsibility.

In a passionate appeal, the legislator urged husbands to actively support their wives by ensuring they undergo breast screening every six months.

The legislator noted that this was not just a health imperative, but as a gesture of love and partnership.

According to Dr Kabiru, early detection through regular screening was key to combating breast cancer and preserving lives.

He also cautioned against what he termed the “imprisoning” of the breast—likely referring to restrictive cultural attitudes or neglect that prevent open discussion and proactive care.

His comments suggest a need for greater awareness and destigmatization of breast health issues, especially in communities where such topics may be considered taboo.