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Dr. Kwame Owusu Mensah Urges Early Screening and Support for Breast Cancer Fighters

By
Ivy Hollys
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breast cancer
Photo by Ave Calvar

This week on The Urban Mix with Adwoa Afranewaa Frimpong, the conversation turned heartfelt as Dr. Kwame Owusu Mensah joined the show to discuss breast cancer awareness, support systems, and the importance of early screening.

Dr. Mensah emphasized that fighting breast cancer goes beyond medical treatment, it also requires emotional and financial support.

“If you know someone fighting breast cancer, this is the time to show up for them,” he said.

“Go with them to their clinic and surgical appointments, support them financially if you can, and most importantly, be there emotionally.”

He noted that family involvement plays a major role in recovery, sharing that patients who come with loved ones often respond better to treatment.

“When a husband or close relative joins the process, they understand the treatment stages and can offer real support,” he explained.

The discussion also highlighted the need to eliminate stigma in workplaces and communities. Dr. Mensah urged listeners not to isolate people battling cancer.

“It’s not contagious,” he reminded. “Have conversations, share jokes, and create an environment where they feel seen and supported.”

He also announced the relaunch of a Breast Cancer Survivors Group aimed at helping patients share experiences and motivate one another.

“Once you see someone who has survived, it encourages you to keep fighting,” he said.

Dr. Mensah encouraged early screening as the most effective way to save lives.

“Breast cancer is not a death sentence,” he stressed. “Early diagnosis and treatment save lives. What you don’t know can harm you.”

The show wrapped up with a lighthearted question about what Dr. Mensah finds most puzzling about women. Laughing, he said, “I’ll never understand what tickles them to cry, but we love them all the same.”

Mfantsipim School Dominates Quarter-Finals of NSMQ 2025

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Defending champions Mfantsipim School (BOTWE) have once again showcased their dominance in the 2025 National Science and Maths Quiz.

The BOTWE Boys edged out rivals Prempeh College and Adisadel College (ADISCO) in a thrilling quarterfinal at UCC’s SGS Auditorium.

Fans described the contest as a “battle of giants,” full of cheers, tension, and excitement throughout.

From the first round, Mfantsipim took an early lead with 25 points, Prempeh had 20, ADISCO 15.

By Round Two, BOTWE widened their lead to 41 points, leaving Prempeh at 22 and ADISCO at 15.

Round Three, the Problem of the Day, saw ADISCO excel with 6 points, Mfantsipim scored 4.

Despite ADISCO’s strong performance, Mfantsipim remained comfortably ahead, maintaining control of the competition.

In Round Four, BOTWE increased their lead to 61 points; Prempeh reached 40, ADISCO 31.

The final riddle-filled round tested speed and accuracy, but Mfantsipim remained untouchable.

When the final bell rang, Mfantsipim finished with 64 points; Prempeh and ADISCO tied at 40.

The victory secures Mfantsipim’s place in the semi-finals of NSMQ 2025, keeping championship hopes alive.

This emphatic win reinforces Mfantsipim’s reputation as one of the fiercest quiz contenders in Ghana.

Ridge Hospital Staff Praise New GHIMS Platform for Its Efficiency

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Member of Parliament for Lambussie, Professor Titus Beyuo, has praised Ghana’s new digital health platform.

The Ghana Healthcare Information Management System (GHIMS) has been warmly received by staff at Ridge Hospital.

The platform replaces the Lightwave Health Information Management System, which suffered repeated failures and disruptions.

According to Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, a four-week nationwide migration is already underway.

The process starts with teaching and regional hospitals before expanding to clinics and CHPS compounds.

GHIMS aims to ensure reliable health records, reduce patient delays, and eliminate manual record-keeping challenges.

Speaking earlier, Prof. Beyuo said Ridge staff are excited about the new system.

“Our colleagues at Ridge Hospital are jubilating because the software is more user-friendly,” he said.

“It allows customisation to suit each hospital’s needs. I suggested Korle Bu as next.”

He added that the platform’s flexibility and reliability mark a strong step in digital healthcare.

Key Takeaways from President Mahama’s Exclusive Interview with TIME Magazine

By
Ivy Hollys
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president John Mahama on cabinet meeting
President of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama

TIME Magazine is one of the world’s most influential publications. It has featured global leaders, innovators, and changemakers for over a century. For many, being featured in TIME is a sign of international relevance and impact. That is why President John Dramani Mahama’s recent interview with the magazine is so significant.

In the interview, Mahama shared his economic vision, views on foreign aid, and belief that Africa must take charge of its own future.

His personality came through clearly: witty, bold, and unafraid of controversy. At one point, he joked, “It will get me into trouble again!” after discussing his op-ed in The Guardian, where he criticized former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments about Africa and South Africa. The interview portrayed Mahama as a confident and outspoken leader ready to push for African reform.

He spoke about his “Resetting Ghana” agenda, which has halved inflation and strengthened the cedi. His plan includes a 24-hour economy, free tertiary education for first-year students, and free sanitary products for girls. These measures aim to rebuild the economy and restore public trust.

Still, Mahama’s second term began with challenges. U.S. cuts to USAID funding hit African countries hard. Ghana lost $156 million in support for health, education, and research. Yet, Mahama said the country adjusted.

“We’ve covered it with our budget,” he explained, urging other nations to become more self-reliant.

He also criticized U.S. trade tariffs, calling them “ineffective foreign policy.” Mahama warned that such decisions weaken America’s influence and strengthen rivals like China. Yet, he believes the shift away from aid could make Africa stronger. “It teaches us to be self-reliant,” he said.

In closing, Mahama described a confident and ambitious Africa. “The future is African,” he declared at the UN General Assembly — a message he repeated to TIME, calling for innovation, unity, and independence.

Mahama Ends All SML Contracts After OSP Investigation

By
Ivy Hollys
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mahama
President John Dramani Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has ordered the immediate cancellation of all contracts between the government and Strategic Mobilisation Ghana Limited (SML). The directive follows findings from the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP).

The Secretary to the President, Dr. Callistus Mahama, issued the directive in a letter to the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson. He instructed the minister to take immediate action to terminate every existing agreement with SML.

The OSP recently concluded its probe into revenue assurance contracts between SML and the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA). Investigators examined alleged procurement breaches, excessive contract terms, and value-for-money concerns. As a result, the findings raised doubts about the necessity of SML’s role.

At a press conference in Accra on October 30, Special Prosecutor Kissi Agyebeng stated that the investigation found no genuine need for SML’s services. He added that officials secured the contracts through “self-serving patronage, sponsorship, and promotion based on false and unverified claims.”

However, SML rejected the findings. In a statement released on Friday, October 31, 2025, the company said it cooperated fully with the investigation. It also urged the public to rely on verified facts rather than speculation.

“We will submit all relevant documents to the appropriate authorities,” said the company’s Lead Counsel. “We remain proud of our work, the systems that guided it, and the measurable value we created for Ghana.”

Meanwhile, SML described itself as a wholly Ghanaian owned firm with no political ties. The company said its contracts with the GRA operated under a “risk-and-reward” model. It added that the GRA paid for services only after independent verification of results.

Ghanaian Travelers Spent the Most in Togo in 2023 — GSS Report

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
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Ghanaian travelers spent the highest amount in Togo in 2023, confirming it as Ghana’s top short-haul destination. Data from the Ghana Statistical Service’s 2023 Domestic and Outbound Tourism Survey revealed that visitors to Togo spent GHS 12.8 million in the first quarter alone. In total, 77,501 same-day travelers spent GHS 59.8 million across the year, mostly on business, trade, and family visits. “Togo remains a key hub for cross-border trade and cultural exchange,” the report noted.

The Ashanti Region recorded the highest number of same-day travelers, reflecting its strong commercial activity. Most outbound travelers were between 25 and 44 years, Ghana’s most active economic group. Overall, overnight outbound trips dominated foreign spending, totaling GHS 3.4 billion in 2023. “West Africa accounted for the largest share of spending, ahead of Europe and North America,” the GSS added.

Hurricane Melissa Kills 19 in Jamaica

By
Ivy Hollys
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Hurricane Melissa
Hurricane Melissa

At least 19 people have died in Jamaica following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, according to Information Minister Dana Morris Dixon. Search and rescue operations are ongoing as authorities struggle to deliver aid to the worst affected communities.

The powerful storm, one of the strongest to hit the Caribbean in years, has also killed at least 30 people in Haiti. In Jamaica, Dixon said “entire communities appear marooned and some flattened,” describing scenes of “devastation” in the western parts of the island.

Electricity remains out across most of Jamaica, and thousands are growing desperate for food and clean water. Many areas have been without running water for several days, while relief efforts face major obstacles due to damaged infrastructure.

Although Kingston’s main airport has resumed operations, several regional airports remain partly functional. Aid agencies and the military are transporting supplies by road, but many routes are blocked by fallen trees, mudslides and debris. A journey from Mandeville to Black River, normally an hour, now takes up to eight hours.

Satellite images show that nearly all buildings in some western Jamaican villages have been destroyed.

“No one can reach their loved ones,” Trevor Whyte told the BBC from White House in Westmoreland. “Every tree is on the road — you cannot go far even with a bicycle.”

In Haiti, many victims died when a river overflowed in Petit Goave. About 15,000 people remain in shelters. Cuba has reported no deaths but widespread flooding and landslides have cut off more than 200 communities.

The United States, the United Kingdom and the United Nations have pledged aid to support recovery across Jamaica, Haiti and Cuba.

Education Ministry Dismisses Claims of Dropping English as Teaching Language

By
Ivy Hollys
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education
Dr. Clement Apaak, Deputy Minister for Education

The Ministry of Education has clarified that English remains the language of instruction in Ghanaian basic schools and has not been dropped from the curriculum.

The clarification follows public concern over a recent directive encouraging the use of local languages for pupils from Kindergarten to Primary Three.

In a statement signed by Deputy Minister for Education Dr. Clement Apaak on Thursday, October 30, the Ministry explained that the use of home languages alongside English has been a long-standing national policy since independence, although implementation has been inconsistent.

The Ministry said teaching children in a language they understand, while introducing English, improves literacy and learning outcomes in all subjects. It added that using a language unfamiliar to learners can create barriers to understanding and hinder academic progress.

To strengthen early education, the Ministry announced plans to review the existing policy and build on successful local initiatives such as Complementary Basic Education, which engages communities and promotes early grade instruction in Ghana’s 12 approved local languages.

The goal is for pupils to gain proficiency in their home or playground language by the end of Basic Year Three, laying a solid foundation for learning English and other languages in later years.

Citing global examples from China, Finland, Japan, and Malaysia, the Ministry said evidence shows that early mastery of one’s home language supports learning in additional languages and strengthens cultural identity.

It assured the public that English and other international languages will continue to be taught, ensuring quality education while nurturing confident and globally minded Ghanaian citizens.

Umar Harris Commends Government’s Efforts to Recover Looted Funds and Curb Corruption

By
Adwoa Afranewaa
-

Umar Harris has praised the government for its strong and consistent commitment to fighting corruption.
Speaking on Orange Sunrise, he said the administration is working tirelessly to recover stolen state funds.
According to him, this forms part of the government’s pledge to ensure accountability and transparency.

Umar Harris explained that during the campaign, the ruling party promised to retrieve all looted public resources.
“This government is doing exactly what it promised to recover what was stolen,” he said confidently.
Harris added that these efforts reflect the government’s determination to restore integrity in governance.

He also criticized the previous administration for what he described as massive misuse of public funds.
“The people of Ghana know the truth, and that’s why they voted for change,” he noted.
Harris said citizens expect responsible leadership, and the current government is living up to that trust.
He urged continued public support to help sustain the fight against corruption and safeguard national assets.

Shamima Muslim Urges Review of Ghana’s Four-Year Presidential Term

By
Ivy Hollys
-
Ghana's

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim, has called for a national discussion on extending Ghana’s presidential term. She said the current four-year mandate is too short for any government to achieve lasting progress.

Ms. Muslim said the short political cycle causes instability and wasteful spending. She explained that frequent elections make it hard for governments to plan and deliver long-term results. “The four-year term is wholly insufficient if we are truly to change the path of our development,” she stated. “Expensive elections that start soon after another ends are not a practical way to manage scarce resources.”

She noted that new governments spend the first year on appointments and the rest preparing for elections. “Year one is spent making appointments, and by year two, people already talk about the next election,” she said.

Ms. Muslim warned that repeated elemight lead to abuse of power but said constitutional reforms could ensure accountability.

“Even if we do not extend term limits, political parties should be allowed to keep a performing leader for more than two terms if citizens agree,” she suggested.

She stressed that voters remain the ultimate check on power. “If we have a bad president, we simply don’t vote for that person again,” she said.

Ms. Muslim added that keeping capable leaders longer could give governments up to 15 years to deliver steady progress. However, she cautioned that a longer stay in office does not always mean good leadership. “Citizens must use their power to demand change when leadership fails,” she said.

She urged policymakers to use the ongoing constitutional review to rethink Ghana’s governance system. “It would be harmful to the country if we fail to have this conversation,” she concluded.

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