The Sisters of Mary Mother of the Church’s (SMMC) Veil of Hope Cancer Campaign Team of the Jasikan Diocese has successfully concluded a comprehensive three-day educational and screening outreach across Senior High Schools and local media within the Oti Region, running from August 3 to August 5, 2026.
Supervised by Sr. Comfort Ashinyo, SMMC, the initiative aims to combat low public awareness regarding killer diseases by delivering expert talks on breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.
Day One: Fr. Dogli Memorial Technical InstituteThe outreach commenced on Monday, August 3, 2026, at Fr. Dogli Memorial Technical Institute. Despite the school operating under end-of-semester examinations, management warmly welcomed the team. Led by School Chaplain and Counsellor Rev. Fr. Godwin Asante and introduced by Sr. Angela Enam Ahali, SMMC, the educational sessions featured presentations from Sr. Seraphine Agorti, SMMC, on breast cancer, Senior Midwife Officer Miss Elizabeth Amenyo on cervical cancer, and Health Promotion Officer Mr. Simon Klu on prostate cancer.
Sr. Agorti profoundly engaged students and staff by sharing her personal experience of undergoing a biopsy surgery. Out of an assembled population of 406 learners (285 boys and 121 girls), 56 learners and one staff member underwent breast screening. One learner was identified with a breast lump, for which the team pledged a follow-up for total medical care.
Day Two: Sekpele FM and Likpe Senior High SchoolDay two began before dawn with an early morning radio broadcast at Sekpele FM in Likpe, hosted by Catechist John Kugblenu. Sr. Agorti, backed by Srs. Ahali and Ashinyo, spoke on breast cancer and answered live call-in questions from listeners during the 90-minute session.
Later, the team transitioned to Likpe Senior High School in the Guan District.
Headmaster Mr. Senyo Fudzi noted an attendance of 508 learners (285 females and 223 males) alongside a large staff contingent, which included 48 teaching and 20 non-teaching staff.Sixty-five learners and two staff members were screened. Three cases were detected: two new cases of breast lumps and one case of discharge. The team secured parental contacts to ensure prompt medical follow-ups.
Day Three: Bueman Senior High SchoolThe final leg of the tour took place on August 5 at Bueman Senior High School in Jasikan, utilising the school theatre. Facing a massive student population of 1,926 (1,132 females and 794 males), the team navigated a lively and noisy environment that extended presentation times.
Ninety-six learners and two staff members were screened, uncovering seven breast lumps (six of which were newly discovered). School authorities expressed concern that some parents might resort to traditional treatments due to financial constraints, prompting a potential call for team support.
In total, the campaign reached well over 2,000 students and staff members across the institutions, with 222 females successfully screened.
While the program was deemed a massive success, sparking high engagement, active question-and-answer sessions, and requests for future visits covering prostate and cervical screenings, the team noted logistical hurdles. Transportation challenges arose as the postulancy car was too small, requiring some team members to take public transit.
Nonetheless, the campaign successfully achieved its core objectives, highlighting an urgent, ongoing need for cancer education and healthcare intervention in the region.
By: Sr. Angela Ahali, SMMC and Sr Angela Amoatwo
Source: Catholic Sister Communicators Network, Ghana -CASCON-GH (sistercommunicatorsgh.com)
