GRFU Combines Free Breast Cancer Screening, Health Education and Rugby at Pink October Event
By Achore Richard
The Ghana Rugby Football Union (GRFU) has combined sport, Health Education and community engagement in a powerful show of support for breast cancer awareness, organising its annual Pink October event at the University of Ghana Rugby Stadium on Saturday, October 10, 2026.
Held in partnership with the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC) Women’s Commission, the event brought together approximately 150 participants, including rugby players, educators, community members and sports stakeholders, for a day of free breast cancer screening, educational sessions, fitness activities, recreational games and rugby competition.
Guided by the World Health Organization’s message, “Every story is unique, every journey matters,” and the Ghana Health Service’s call to action, “Early Action, Better Outcome,” the initiative underscored the importance of early detection, preventive healthcare and collective responsibility in the fight against breast cancer.
Beyond the sporting activities, the event created an opportunity for participants to learn about breast cancer, ask questions and receive professional guidance on protecting their health.
GRFU president calls for greater awareness and early detection
Opening the event, GRFU President Ms. Rafatu Inusah highlighted the importance of early detection and encouraged participants to make breast cancer prevention a priority.
Her message reinforced the need for greater public awareness, regular health checks and timely medical attention, while encouraging individuals and communities to take proactive steps towards protecting their health.
The event also demonstrated how sports organisations can use their platforms to promote important social and public health causes beyond the playing field.
Health experts lead education and screening sessions
The health education seminar and screening clinic were led by Ms. Grace Essien of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), who serves as Head of Medical for the GRFU and is a World Rugby First Aid in Rugby (FAIR) Educator.
She was supported by Ms. Wilhelmina Kassah Atutornu, founder of Wilekas Massage and a certified World Rugby Level 2 Medic.
Together, they educated participants on breast self-examination, potential risk factors and the importance of regular clinical evaluations. The sessions also provided an opportunity for participants to seek clarification on breast cancer-related concerns and receive professional medical guidance.
An interactive question-and-answer segment allowed attendees to address misconceptions and deepen their understanding of the importance of early detection.
By placing health education and screening at the centre of the programme, the GRFU ensured that Pink October was not merely a symbolic celebration but an opportunity for participants to engage directly with preventive healthcare.
T1 Rugby brings competition and teamwork to Pink October
Following the health sessions, attention shifted to the pitch as participants took part in team-building activities, with a T1 Rugby tournament providing the sporting highlight of the day.
T1 Rugby, a non-contact format developed by World Rugby to encourage wider participation, offered an inclusive platform for participants to enjoy the game while promoting teamwork, fitness and camaraderie.
Four teams competed in two preliminary matches before progressing to the third-place playoff and championship final, bringing excitement and competitive spirit to the occasion.
The rugby competition demonstrated the sport’s ability to unite people from different backgrounds while creating an enjoyable environment for physical activity and social interaction.
The programme continued with recreational games, including a lime-and-spoon race, a bottle-flip challenge and a highly competitive sack race. GRFU President Rafatu Inusah also joined participants on the field, adding to the lively atmosphere.
Corporate partners support community engagement
The event was further enriched by the support of the GRFU’s corporate partners, whose contributions helped create a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere.
Indomie operated an on-site culinary station, serving freshly prepared hot meals to participants and attendees, while the GRFU provided refreshments and pastries.
With support from Sunda International, through its Softcare brand, Kivo and Indomie, participants and members of the event’s support teams—including security personnel and technical crews—received gift packages and product hampers.
The contributions highlighted the role of corporate partnerships in supporting community-based health initiatives and helping sports organisations deliver programmes with wider social impact.
Sports and community stakeholders unite for the cause
The event attracted representatives from the GOC Women’s Commission, led by Madam Helene, as well as Ms. Serwaa Hillary of Euracare Medical Centre.
Teachers from the Ayawaso East, Ayawaso West and Ayawaso Central municipalities also attended, alongside GRFU board directors, members of Ghana’s national men’s and women’s rugby squads, known as the Eagles, and community delegations from Nima and Madina.
Their participation reflected the broad community interest in initiatives that combine sport, education and public health.
The gathering also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships between the rugby community, educators, healthcare professionals, corporate partners and local communities.
GRFU acknowledges partners and supporters
The Ghana Rugby Football Union expressed its appreciation to headline sponsors Sunda International Ghana, Kivo and Indomie for their support in making the event possible.
Special recognition was also extended to Rugby Africa President Mr. Herbert Mensah, Ms. Erica Amoako, Edward Heir and the volunteers whose contributions helped ensure the smooth organisation of the programme.
The Union also acknowledged media partners GTV, GH Sports News and GH Talk News for their coverage and support in amplifying the breast cancer awareness message.
A lasting message beyond the rugby pitch
The GRFU’s Pink October initiative demonstrated how sport can serve as a platform for health education, community participation and social responsibility.
By combining free breast cancer screening and expert-led education with rugby, fitness and recreational activities, the Union brought participants together around a message that extends far beyond the stadium.
The central lesson of the day was clear: awareness matters, early action matters, and access to reliable health information can help people make more informed decisions about their wellbeing.
As the fight against breast cancer continues, initiatives such as Pink October serve as important reminders that the responsibility to promote awareness and encourage early detection belongs to individuals, communities, healthcare professionals, corporate organisations and sporting bodies alike.
For the Ghana Rugby Football Union, Saturday’s event was another opportunity to demonstrate that rugby is not only about competition and results, but also about building healthier communities and making a positive difference in people’s lives.
Source: Ghana Rugby Football Union