SIREC Observes (Maiden) Employee Week Celebration

The Employee Week Celebration concluded on Friday, November 21, 2025, with a programme designed to promote the health, welfare, and unity of staff. All staff were present for a day that combined a health talk, sporting activities, and a kenkey party. The programme opened with remarks from Dr. Joseph Honger, who welcomed staff, declared the event open, and highlighted the importance of staff welfare, healthy lifestyles, and teamwork. He then invited Mr. Richard Amestsistsi to introduce the resource person, Dr. (Mrs.) Francesca Mensah Darkwah, Medical Superintendent of the Yilo Krobo District Hospital, Somanya.

Dr. (Mrs.) Darkwah delivered a health talk on prostate cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer. She explained that prostate cancer, common in middle-aged and older men, may progress silently before causing difficulties in urination and other complications. She encouraged men above forty years to undergo regular screening and adopt healthier habits. On breast cancer, she reminded staff that although it mostly affects women, men can also be affected, and she urged women to know their own breasts, practice regular self-examination, and seek prompt medical care. In discussing cervical cancer, she noted its strong link with persistent high-risk HPV infection, emphasised its preventability, and encouraged women to utilise screening and HPV vaccination where available. Across all three cancers, she highlighted early detection, regular screening, and healthy lifestyles.

A brief question-and-answer session followed, after which the Head of Centre, Prof. (Mrs.) Dilys S. MacCarthy, thanked Dr. (Mrs.) Darkwah and encouraged staff to act on the information received, including screening for diabetes and hypertension, which is available free at the University Hospital.

In the afternoon, staff participated in Ludo, Oware, card games, and football in a relaxed atmosphere. 

The day ended with “Kenkey party”, where staff shared kenkey and fried fish with malt drinks. The event was successful and strengthened health awareness, unity, and a sense of belonging among employees.