Building on previous achievements, the first quarter of 2026 was marked by impactful outreach programmes, nationwide screening initiatives, strategic partnerships and leadership activities. MWAG is committed to preventive healthcare, particularly in the area of cervical cancer awareness and screening. Through collaboration with partners such as Lexta Ghana and the active involvement of regional chapters, MWAG sustained a strong national presence and expanded its reach to diverse communities.
The Medical Women’s Association of Ghana (MWAG) continues to strengthen its role as a key advocate for women’s health and the professional advancement of female doctors in Ghana.
OUTREACHATHON (JANUARY 3–4, 2026)
In partnership with Dr. Afia Amponsah, MWAG supported the organization of the Outreachathon, an intensive health screening initiative aimed at screening 3,000 women for common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) within 30 hours.
The exercise took place at Efua Sutherland Park and was supported by 17 lady doctor volunteers from MWAG. The keynote address on women’s health and delays in seeking healthcare was delivered on behalf of the National Executive Committee by the National Secretary; Dr Oum-Kalsoum Zakaria Adam.
Five hundred and fifty (550) women were successfully screened, reflecting both the dedication of volunteers and the growing demand for accessible preventive health services.
MWAG–LEXTA GHANA CERVICAL CANCER DAILY MESSAGE CAMPAIGN (JANUARY 1 – FEBRUARY 7, 2026)
MWAG in collaboration with Lexta Ghana, undertook a sustained social media campaign focused on cervical cancer prevention. This initiative featured 37 lady doctors, each sharing tailored educational messages accompanied by their photographs.
The campaign leveraged multiple digital platforms to disseminate accurate and relatable information thereby increasing awareness and encouraging preventive health-seeking behaviour among women.
NATIONAL LAUNCH OF CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS MONTH (JANUARY 13, 2026)
The national launch of Cervical Cancer Awareness Month was successfully held at Fomena in the Adansi North District, led by the Ashanti Regional Chapter Chair: Dr Adomaa Odame.
The programme was organized under the theme:
“Men and Women as Partners in Cervical Cancer Prevention: Creating Awareness for Screening, Vaccination, and Treatment.”
The event attracted approximately 220 participants and featured:
Health education sessions
Cultural performances and drama
A symbolic launch ceremony
On-site screening services were provided, with about 50 women screened.
Keynote messages were delivered by traditional leadership, local government representatives, and the National President of MWAG, reinforcing the importance of collective action in cervical cancer prevention.
NATIONWIDE CERVICAL CANCER SCREENING ACTIVITIES (JANUARY 2026)
Throughout January, MWAG coordinated cervical cancer screening exercises across multiple regions with support from Lexta Ghana.
Highlights include:
Greater Accra Region:50 Pap smear screening conducted at Korle Bu Polyclinic with participation from 7 doctors and 3 nurses.
Northern Region:446 VIA screening conducted, with 36 positive cases treated using thermal ablation across Tolon, Savelugu, Yendi and Bolgatanga municipalities.
Eastern Region:60 VIA screening carried out at St. Dominic Catholic Hospital.
Ashanti Region:471 VIA screening conducted for females from Kumasi Central Prison, Otumfuo Dchemso Park, Ejisu Government Hospital and St Patrick Hospital Offinso with 9 positive cases appropriately managed or referred.
Brong Ahafo Region:15 Pap smears and 55 colposcopies conducted at Holy Family Hospital, Techiman.
These activities significantly contributed to early detection and management of cervical cancer, particularly in underserved communities.
VALENTINE’S DAY WEBINAR (FEBRUARY 14, 2026)
The Greater Accra Regional Chapter organized a virtual webinar with the theme
“From White Coat to Intimacy: Reigniting the Marital Bed.”
The session, attended by approximately 95 participants, focused on personal well-being and relationship health among medical professionals. This session was moderated by Dr Naa Ayele Mensah and discussion was led by Mr Yeboah; a USA trained sex therapist.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY (IWD) CREATIVE ESSAY COMPETITION ( 7th MARCH 2026)
The Medical Women’s Association of Ghana (MWAG) National organized the inaugural edition of the International Women’s Day (IWD) Creative Essay Competition in March 2026. The competition was instituted in recognition of the immense sacrifices, dedication and pioneering contributions of the Past Presidents of MWAG. It was also designed to inspire reflection and commitment among members under the theme “From Commemoration to Commitment, translating International Women’s Day advocacy into measurable institutional change for lady doctors and medical students.
The competition attracted a total of twenty-three (23) submissions from members. To ensure transparency and fairness in the evaluation process, a six-member panel of judges, comprising distinguished MWAG Past Presidents was constituted to assess the entries.
Each essay submission was independently reviewed and scored by at least two judges. In addition, all entries were subjected to plagiarism checks and artificial intelligence screening to maintain academic integrity and originality.
Following the rigorous assessment process:
Dr. Philomeba Esi Agudu emerged as the winner of the maiden MWAG March 2026 Creative Essay Competition.
Dr. Chiaky Otuteye Stephanie was awarded recognition for the Most Creative Essay.
The awards presented to the winners included cash prizes and MWAG-branded souvenirs.
As part of the commemorative activities, a webinar was held on 7th March 2026 to explore the competition theme. The session featured Dr. Gaisie Esi, a UK-trained hypnotherapist, who served as the resource person and delivered an insightful presentation on the theme.
At the conclusion of the webinar, Dr. Naa Adorkor Sodzi officially announced the winners of the essay competition.
The inaugural competition marks an important milestone for MWAG, providing a platform to honour the legacy of Past Presidents while encouraging thoughtful engagement and commitment among members toward advancing the objectives of the Association
MWAG GAR International Women’s Day Celebration and Handing Over Ceremony – 8th March 2026
The Greater Accra Regional (GAR) Chapter of the Medical Women Association of Ghana (MWAG), under the able leadership of Dr Ayongo Mate Kole, held an in-person celebration to commemorate International Women’s Day on 8th March 2026. The event took place at the conference room of the Ministry of Health at Ridge, Accra.
The celebration was held with the theme “Give to Gain” and brought together over seventy-five (75) participants, including female medical doctors and medical students. Proceedings commenced with a lively salsa dancing session which set an engaging and interactive tone for the programme.
The keynote address was delivered by Dr Irene Wulff, who spoke extensively on the event theme and encouraged participants to embrace mentorship, collaboration and service as pathways to personal and professional growth. The programme also featured an insightful session by Mr Yeboah, a sex therapist, who engaged participants in discussions on sexual health and wellbeing among female professionals.
A significant highlight of the event was the formal handing-over ceremony of the MWAG GAR leadership. Dr Ayongo Mate Kole officially handed over the presidency of the GAR Chapter to Dr Sunkwa Mills, who was subsequently introduced together with the newly constituted regional executive team.
The ceremony was honoured by the presence of the Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, whose attendance underscored the importance of the contributions of women in the medical profession and their role in strengthening the healthcare system.
Overall, the event was highly successful, providing a platform for celebration, professional engagement, and leadership transition within the MWAG GAR Chapter.
ASHANTI REGIONAL IWD WEBINAR (MARCH 8, 2026)
The Ashanti Regional Chapter organized a virtual webinar under the theme:
“Give to Gain.”
The event brought together 40 participants and featured a multidisciplinary panel, fostering dialogue on professional growth, mentorship, and service.
Panelists for discussion included: Dr Med Alberta Birirwum – Regional Director Central Region: GHS
Dr Med Maame Frema : Paediatrician
Dr Med Juliet Kusi boateng: women and children’s advocate.
Maame Yaa Gyasiwaa : final year medical student.
It was a successful event
CONCLUSION
The first quarter of 2026 has been both productive and impactful for MWAG. Through strategic collaborations, nationwide outreach and innovative advocacy initiatives, the Association has continued to advance women’s health and strengthen the role of female medical professionals in Ghana.
The emphasis on cervical cancer awareness and screening reflects MWAG’s alignment with global health priorities, while initiatives such as the IWD programmes demonstrate a commitment to both community impact and member development.
MWAG remains dedicated to deepening its engagement, expanding its reach and contributing meaningfully to the global mission of improving women’s health outcomes. The Association looks forward to sustaining this momentum and strengthening its partnerships.
Submitted by:
Dr. OKZ Adam
National SecretaryMedical Women’s Association of Ghana (MWAG)
Fig 1. Official National January Cervical Cancer Awareness Month Launch on 13/01/26 at Fomena, AR with MWAG national president and other MWAG executives.
Fig 2. IWD celebration showing the classic IWD 2026 symbol done by MWAG YMWIA members with winner and most creative piece of the inaugural IWD March 2026 Essay Competition
Fig 3. MWAG- GAR ladies at MOH auditorium on the 8/03/26 marking IWD and MWAG-GAR handing over ceremony.
Fig 4. MWAG National poster for IWD on 8/03/26 showing gallant MWAG past presidents PP’s who were celebrated and award of inaugural March, 2026 essay competition given in their name.