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Remarks by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim as Chairperson at the NPA 2026 Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign Launch, Accra, 1 October 2026
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Shamima Muslim has declared that a breast cancer diagnosis can divide a person’s life into two moments — life before those words and life after them. She made the statement as she officially launched the National Petroleum Authority’s 2026 Pink October Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign on Wednesday, October 1, 2026, at the NPA in Accra.
She served as Chairperson of the campaign and represented the Presidency. The campaign was launched under the theme “Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters.”
Ghana Records 5,487 New Breast Cancer Cases in 2024
Shamima Muslim cited alarming statistics on breast cancer at the NPA Pink October launch. She noted that the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s 2024 estimates put Ghana’s breast cancer burden at 5,487 new cases and 2,695 deaths. Furthermore, she stressed that fear, stigma, misinformation, and financial difficulties often prevent people from seeking care early.
Therefore, she called for an environment where people feel empowered to seek accurate information and consult qualified health professionals without fear or shame. She also highlighted the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, known as MahamaCares, as a demonstration of government’s commitment to supporting Ghanaians facing serious health conditions.
Every Story Is Unique, Every Journey Matters
Shamima Muslim urged all present at the NPA Pink October launch to look beyond statistics and recognise the person behind every diagnosis. She said behind every number is a person, behind every diagnosis is a family, and behind every survivor is a story of courage, resilience, and hope.
Moreover, she addressed breast cancer survivors directly, saying their stories can educate others, inspire courage, and give hope to those currently facing the disease.
She also acknowledged the financial and emotional burden that breast cancer places on individuals and families, calling for collective action from government, corporate Ghana, civil society, and communities.
Pink October Must Go Beyond the Month of October
Shamima Muslim stressed that the fight against breast cancer is not the responsibility of women alone at the NPA Pink October campaign launch. She said men have an important role to play by encouraging their loved ones to prioritise their health and helping to challenge misinformation and stigma. Furthermore, she said Pink October must go beyond the month of October and remind everyone of their collective responsibility to promote health awareness throughout the year.
She concluded by encouraging the NPA to connect awareness activities with practical pathways to medical assessment and care for staff, stakeholders, families, and communities.