More than 500 women gathered at the Accra Metropolitan Assembly forecourt for breast cancer education, survivor testimonies and screening organised by MTN Ghana’s Y’ello Ladies Network, as the initiative sought to turn awareness into action through early detection.

Held as part of the global Pink October campaign under the theme “Early Action, Better Outcomes,” the outreach brought together women from diverse backgrounds for expert guidance, a breast self-examination demonstration, survivor stories and screening by health professionals.

The initiative aimed to make breast health information and screening more accessible while encouraging women to recognise unusual changes and seek timely medical attention.

Speaking at the event, Antoinette Kwofie, Chairlady of the MTN Y’ello Ladies Network, said the outreach reflected the network’s commitment to empowering women within MTN and in the communities it serves.

“The MTN Y’ello Ladies Network was established in 2025 to connect, empower and amplify women across our organisation, while extending that impact into the communities we serve. Our ambition has never been inward-looking. Awareness matters, but awareness without action is not enough. Pink must have a purpose: it must move a woman to get screened, give someone the courage to seek care without delay, and remind every woman facing breast cancer that she is not alone,” she said.

Ms Kwofie said the network’s commitment to women’s wellbeing extended beyond a single awareness month. She noted that in October 2025, the network supported patients at the Korle Bu Breast Cancer Unit and planned to extend similar support to another institution in the coming weeks.

She also acknowledged the courage of breast cancer survivors, people undergoing treatment and the families supporting them.

Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Breast Care International, led an educational session on breast cancer awareness and early detection, providing practical guidance on breast health and the importance of seeking timely medical attention.

She also demonstrated breast self-examination and discussed breast self-awareness, equipping participants with information they could apply in their daily lives.

Breast cancer survivors shared their personal experiences, highlighting the importance of early detection, access to treatment and support. Their testimonies also underscored the impact of a cancer diagnosis on individuals, families and communities, as well as the importance of seeking medical attention promptly.

MTN employees reinforced the message through a sketch on breast cancer awareness, early detection and treatment. The performance sought to challenge misconceptions that can discourage people from seeking care.

The outreach combined education with access to screening services provided by health professionals from Ridge Medical Centre, Peace and Love Hospital, Life Health Care and Health Neutron.

Women from associations, educational institutions, faith-based groups, the MTN Y’ello Ladies Network and the Bright Scholarship alumni community attended the programme. They were encouraged to share the information with their families, friends, colleagues and neighbours to extend the campaign’s reach into their communities.

The Y’ello Ladies Network said the campaign went beyond wearing pink or marking Breast Cancer Awareness Month, focusing instead on empowering women to translate awareness into action, replace fear with knowledge and ensure that people affected by breast cancer feel supported.

The initiative brought together healthcare professionals, survivors and women from diverse backgrounds to encourage open conversations, early screening and support without stigma.

Participants were urged to seek timely medical care, encourage others to do the same and support people affected by breast cancer with compassion. The central message was that early action, access to reliable information and collective support are important in the fight against breast cancer.