The MTN Y’ello Ladies Network has donated GH¢200,000 to support breast cancer awareness and treatment at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, reinforcing its commitment to community health and the fight against one of the most prevalent cancers affecting women in Ghana.
The donation follows a Breast Cancer Awareness Month sponsored walk organised in October, which mobilised MTN staff, business partners, vendors, and bankers in a collective effort to raise funds for the cause.
To deepen the impact of the initiative, MTN Ghana matched the amount raised, bringing the total contribution to GH¢200,000.
Out of the total amount, GH¢50,000 was presented to Breast Care International (BCI) to support public education, early detection, and breast cancer awareness programmes.
The remaining GH¢150,000 was donated to the Breast Surgery Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to settle medical bills for 14 breast cancer patients currently undergoing treatment.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana and Chairperson of the Y’ello Ladies Network, Antoinette Kwofie, said the initiative reflects MTN’s belief that corporate success must go hand in hand with the wellbeing of the communities it serves.
She explained that the Y’ello Ladies Network remains committed to supporting breast cancer awareness and patient care on an annual basis, particularly during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October.
According to her, the group will continue to mobilise resources and work with partners to expand the reach and impact of future interventions.
Ms. Kwofie expressed appreciation to MTN staff and partners for their collective contributions and called on corporate organisations, MTN partners, and customers to support breast cancer awareness efforts and help ease the financial burden on patients and their families.
Receiving the donation on behalf of the hospital, Dr. Josephine Nsaful, a General Surgeon at the Breast Surgery Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, described the support as timely and lifesaving for patients who may otherwise struggle to complete their treatment.
She explained that the funds will support 14 selected patients from diagnosis through to the completion of treatment, covering costs not fully absorbed by the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
These include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, which remain financially out of reach for many patients.
Dr. Nsaful disclosed that the Breast Surgery Unit recorded nearly 600 new breast cancer cases in the past year, noting that while the hospital does not turn patients away, many still present with advanced disease due to fear, misinformation, and stigma.
She, however, observed a growing trend of early reporting in recent years, leading to improved treatment outcomes and long-term survival.
She added that breast cancer among Black women often occurs at a younger age and can be aggressive, but stressed that early detection and prompt treatment can lead to full recovery and a return to normal life.
Addressing the issue of stigma, Dr. Nsaful emphasised that breast cancer is not contagious, not spiritual, and not a curse, urging families and communities to offer emotional and practical support to patients.
She advised the public to avoid discouraging patients from seeking medical care and encouraged loved ones to accompany patients to hospital visits and remain supportive throughout the treatment journey.
She further called for stronger collaboration among corporate organisations, health institutions, and civil society groups to deepen breast cancer awareness, promote early detection, and improve patient care nationwide.
Also speaking during the ceremony, Head of Public Relations and Communications at Breast Care International, Kwadwo Bonnah, expressed gratitude to the MTN Y’ello Ladies Network for the donation, describing it as a powerful symbol of hope for women currently battling breast cancer, survivors, and their families.
He noted that the gesture goes beyond financial support, sending a strong message of solidarity and reinforcing the critical role of corporate involvement in reducing late detection and improving breast cancer survival rates in Ghana.
