As part of efforts to promote early detection and healthy living, the MTN Y’ello Ladies Network has organised a Breast Cancer Awareness Walk in Accra to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The event, which brought together hundreds of employees from MTN Ghana, partners, and stakeholders, underscored the company’s continued commitment to wellness, empowerment, and community health.
Participants, clad in pink-themed attire, walked through major streets in the capital to raise awareness about breast cancer and encourage women to prioritise regular screening and early detection.
The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm and solidarity as staff, both male and female, came together in support of the cause.
Empowering Women Through Health and Leadership
Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana and Chairperson of the Y’ello Ladies Network, Antoinette Kwofie, said the initiative went beyond the physical act of walking.
It was, she explained, a call to action—raising awareness and funds to help combat breast cancer while promoting healthy living among women.
“We are raising funds to create awareness and to remind women to check themselves regularly,” she stated. “It is important that we stay on top of our health, and we at the Y’ello Ladies Network are proud to champion this cause.”
She stressed that the Y’ello Ladies Network, launched in March this year during International Women’s Month, has since organised a series of impactful development and health sessions.
These engagements, she said, focused on empowering women to thrive both in the workplace and in their personal lives.
“We have held several sessions discussing development and health matters that are unique to women, so we can be healthy for our families, our companies, and our nation,” she said.
She added that the network aims to raise GH₵100,000 to fund breast cancer awareness campaigns and outreach programs across Ghana.
According to her, the Y’ello Ladies Network is also nurturing a culture of leadership and mentorship among women within MTN. “We have seen more women putting up their hands for positions of responsibility.
The Steering Committee has designed leadership training programs to ensure we create a strong cadre of women leaders capable of leading this great organisation in the future,” she explained.
Wofie expressed optimism that the network will one day produce MTN Ghana’s first female Chief Executive Officer, stressing that the group’s purpose is to empower, inspire, and guide women toward achieving their dreams.
Promoting early detection and wellness
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, Adwoa Wiafe, explained that the Breast Cancer Awareness Walk is part of MTN’s broader employee wellness and inclusion agenda.
“As you know, October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and we are here to draw attention to the disease, its effects, and the importance of early detection,” she said.
She emphasised that the walk was also meant to promote physical fitness and create space for open conversations about health.
“This activity allows us to exercise while highlighting the importance of self-examination, hospital checkups, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” she noted.
She further explained that MTN Ghana has intensified reminders for staff to go for regular health screenings, acknowledging that busy work schedules often cause people to neglect their well-being.
“This year, our focus has been on employee wellbeing—ensuring that our people are healthy, balanced, and supported,” she said.
Adwoa Wiafe urged women to take early detection seriously, emphasising that timely screening can save lives.
Building an Inclusive and Supportive Workplace
Acting Chief Human Resource Officer of MTN Ghana, Abdullah Ibrahim, lauded the Y’ello Ladies Network for its dedication to women’s empowerment and inclusivity.
He noted that diversity and inclusion remain core pillars of MTN’s organisational culture, adding that such initiatives reflect the company’s values of care and respect.
“Diversity and inclusion are pivotal to MTN Ghana’s operations, and they encompass everything we are doing today—creating awareness around breast cancer, supporting women, and fostering a healthy work environment,” he said.
He explained that MTN’s inclusivity policy ensures that the company hires and supports more women and persons with disabilities, including individuals who are visually impaired or use wheelchairs.
“We must create an enabling environment where everyone can thrive, feel supported, and rise to leadership positions,” he emphasised.
Driving Gender Balance and Leadership Opportunities
Highlighting MTN’s progress in promoting gender balance, Ibrahim revealed that women’s representation in the company has increased from 38% to 43%, with a target to reach 50% by 2030.
“We are on track to achieve this goal because we believe in the power of women’s contributions to our success,” he said.
He explained that MTN Ghana intentionally provides more internships and national service opportunities to women to build a pipeline of future female leaders.
“If we don’t bring them in at the beginning, we won’t find them in senior positions later,” he stated.
The event ended with aerobics and fitness sessions, reinforcing MTN Ghana’s commitment to employee wellness.
