First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, Princess Dina Mired, Lady Julia and other dignitaries at the function
The President of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Princess Dina Mired of Jordan, has applauded President Akufo-Addo for effectively fighting against cancer in Ghana.
She also showered praises on Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II for contributing immensely to help combat cancer in Asanteman and Ghana in general over the years.
The UICC President explained that UICC selected Kumasi to be the first city in Africa and fourth across the world for the City Cancer Challenge programme due to the commitment of the two personalities.
“The UICC chose Kumasi to be part of the City Cancer Challenge programme C-Can 2025 because Kumasi, and for that matter Ghana, has the political will to fight cancer of all forms.
“President Akufo-Addo and the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, have shown that they are committed in the fight against cancer which claiming many lives across the globe.”
She disclosed this while addressing a gathering at the Great Hall at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) in Kumasi on Monday to mark the World Cancer Day under the theme, ‘I am and I will.’
The UICC President urged President Akufo-Addo and Otumfuo to continue to dedicate their time and energy to help eliminate cancer from the country, stressing that the UICC is proud of their efforts.
The UICC is a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) which is recognized across the globe.
It has over the years played roles to help make treatment of cancer accessible to most people.
Princess Dina Mired said the trip to Kumasi is her first official international visit as president of the UICC, saying “Kumasi is taking bold steps towards the fight against cancer of all forms and I am impressed.
“On behalf of the UICC, I promise to give the needed support so that Kumasi will succeed as a cancer challenge city,” adding that Kumasi has the potential to become a major cancer city across the world soon.
The First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, on her part, expressed gross concern about the devastating effects of cancer and called for collaboration between the public and private sectors to fight the disease.
She admonished the populace to regularly exercise, stop smoking and drinking of alcohol and also live acceptable lifestyles so that they would not be afflicted by cancer.
The Kumasi Mayor, Osei Assibey Antwi, stated that Kumasi is presently properly positioned to be a forerunner in the fight against cancer in Africa, calling for support from the appropriate bodies in order to succeed.
Speakers at the event included the Ashanti Regional Minister, Simon Osei Mensah, Dr. Beatrice Wiafe-Addai, President of Brest Care International (BCI) Ghana and other distinguished personalities.
From I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Kumasi