Vice President, H.E. Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has called on Ghanaians to show compassion and solidarity to people living with illnesses, stressing that no one chooses to be sick and therefore deserves empathy rather than stigma.
She made the remarks during a working visit to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, where she also launched the 2025 edition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and joined the ministry to commemorate the International Day of Older Persons.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang noted that societal attitudes often worsen the struggles of patients, particularly women battling breast cancer, and urged Ghanaians to embrace empathy as a national value.
“Sometimes illness carries unnecessary stigma, as if the person chose to be sick. What the sick need is understanding, sympathy, and support,” she said.
She further stressed that true humanity lies in the nation’s response to its vulnerable citizens, including older persons, women, and children.
“If we are not vulnerable, we have a duty to ensure that those who are receive the support they deserve; that is the essence of our humanity,” she emphasized.
The Vice President also reaffirmed government’s ongoing support for initiatives that empower women, noting that projects such as the Women’s Development Bank, coupled with social protection interventions, are designed to improve both economic security and health outcomes.
On her part, the Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, expressed appreciation to the Vice President for her leadership and support at the cabinet level, which has enabled the approval of major policies including the National Gender Policy, the Domestic Violence Policy, and the landmark Social Protection Act.
“With your presence today, we are energized,” the Minister said. “We have expanded LEAP, cleared arrears owed to caterers, and advanced plans for shelters to protect survivors of abuse. Our appeal, however, is for an increase in the grant per child so that we can better meet the needs of the vulnerable.”
The day’s event carried a dual significance, serving both as the launch of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the commemoration of the International Day of Older Persons, reinforcing government’s commitment to the health, dignity, and protection of all citizens, particularly those most at risk.