Out of the total amount, GH¢150,000 was presented to the Breast Surgery Unit of the hospital to fully fund the treatment of 14 selected breast cancer patients, while GH¢50,000 was donated to Breast Care International (BCI) to intensify breast cancer awareness and early detection campaigns.

The donation followed a breast cancer awareness fundraising drive organised in October by the Yellow Ladies Network, a staff association made up of all female employees of MTN Ghana. The funds were raised through a sponsored walk and contributions from MTN staff, vendors, bankers and partners, with the company matching the amount raised.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Atoinette Kwofie, Chief Finance Officer of MTN Ghana and Chairperson of the MTN Yello Ladies Network, said that the initiative reflected MTN’s belief in giving back to the communities that sustained its business.

She explained that breast cancer awareness and patient support remained close to the heart of MTN Ghana, noting that late detection and financial constraints continued to cost many women their lives.

“Too many people die from breast cancer due to late detection, fear, stigma and the inability to afford treatment. Through this donation, we hope to ease the burden on patients and also encourage early screening because when detected early, breast cancer is curable,” she said.

Ms. Kwofie added that the Yello Ladies Network intended to make the initiative an annual intervention, especially during Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, and called on other corporate bodies to join the cause.

Dr. Josephine Nsafo, a General Surgeon at the hospital’s Breast Surgery Unit, described the support as life-changing for patients who would otherwise struggle to complete treatment.

She revealed that the unit recorded nearly 600 new breast cancer cases last year, with many patients still reporting at an advanced stage when the disease was no longer curable.

“One of our major challenges is late presentation. Many women are afraid to come early because of stigma and fear. Yet even aggressive breast cancer, when detected early, can be treated and cured,” Dr. Nsafo explained.

She noted that while all patients were enrolled on the National Health Insurance Scheme, several aspects of treatment including surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy were not fully covered, forcing some patients to abandon treatment midway due to cost.

Dr. Nsafo added that modern breast cancer care at Korle Bu included breast-conserving surgery and reconstructive options, stressing that losing a breast does not mean losing one’s life. She also appealed for sustained corporate and community support to help bridge funding gaps and combat stigma.

Kwadwo Bonnah, Head of Public Relations and Communications at Breast Care International, thanked MTN Ghana for the GH¢50,000 donation, describing it as more than financial support.

Adding a survivor’s voice, Benita Ogbonna, an eight-year breast cancer survivor and BCI advocate, shared her personal journey, including losing her mother to breast cancer at age 39 and later being diagnosed herself.

She highlighted the emotional and psychological toll of surviving cancer, noting that support often dwindles after treatment ends. She praised MTN Ghana and the Yello Ladies Network for recognising the needs of both patients and survivors.