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Breast cancer survivor, Omolara Cookey gets a day to remember.

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6 years ago

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Omolara Cookey 5As breast cancer awareness month draws to a close, we couldn’t help but address the disease which continues to lay a global burden and according to the World Health Organization, is the most common cancer among women worldwide, claiming the lives of hundreds of thousands of women each year and affecting countries at all levels of modernization. This has made the need for awareness on early detection even direr now than ever. The invasive disease, which is practically incurable once spreading has occurred, can only really be prevented or snipped early with constant checks. Ergo, when a woman survives the disease, it is something worth celebrating.Omolara Cookey 1 Omolara Cookey is a breast cancer survivor who shared with us her journey. The Incredibly articulate wife and mother, spoke of her journey with so much poise but she highlights that there was nothing-gracious about-facing death. Not only had breast cancer threatened her life, she had just survived a different life threat, Myasthenia Gravis, an autoimmune disease which leads to varying degrees of skeletal weakness. She had undergone intense physiotherapy to be able to swallow and regain use of her muscle. Initially, she describes how her emotions took hold of her, ‘not again’ she had said. She mentions weeping and feeling sorry for herself until she ditched self-pity for receiving God’s grace to fight. Omolara Cookey 2 “I started constantly thinking about what I was thinking because it all starts with the mind. I held many trials with myself in my own head, if what I was thinking didn’t align with healing and wholeness, I was quick to dump it”. Mrs Cookey found a lump in one side of her breast which the doctor after conducting a mammogram had said had benign characteristics. She recalls receiving a prompting from the Holy Spirit to do a biopsy just to ensure that it was in fact benign. However, she was in a place of fear, she couldn’t understand how having just recovered mobility due to the auto-immune disease after a period of over 3 years, God would allow cancer to take hold of her, there was no way that would happen, she had repeatedly told herself.Omolara Cookey 3Omolara Cookey 3Omolara Cookey 3 “I couldn’t believe that the God that I served would heal me from one life-threatening ailment and then give me another, but looking back now, that was training ground for what was to come”. Due to her denial, Omolara chose to ignore this prompting until 5 years later, she started to feel some pain so she carried out a biopsy, the lump was indeed malignant and she was found to have breast cancer. She flew to South Africa a few days later for a mastectomy. She winces as she remembers the ordeal, which nearly cost her life, she mentions never to wait and carefully instructs that many times, mammograms are done improperly. She warns that women have an intuition and when they feel something is wrong, it is better to get a second opinion than wait till it’s too late. Cookey nicknamed by her friends, Omolara Miracle, recognizes how blessed she is because after a period of over 5 years, the cancer could have spread horribly. She recounts that she had taken out her ovaries which she credits for preventing the spread of the cancer as that strain of cancer was oestrogen sensitive. God at play. Omolara Cookey 4 During her time in Johannesburg, as she readied for her surgery, she chose joy; Both pre-surgery and post-surgery, she repeatedly chose joy. She also began painting again after a 25 year long hiatus, ‘painting was therapeutic’, she recounts. “I painted my nails red signifying the blood of Jesus, played with my sister’s kids, my brother in-law treated me to a spa day and I prophesied the word of God over my life. There was no room for anything else, I entered into the lord’s rest”. Omolara who notes that her healing journey was deeply instrumental in self awareness and discovering what things to take on board mentions how she spends her time dwelling on things of eternal value such as relationships and her relationship with God. She also now dedicates her time to painting a lot more, a hobby she had long let go of, it brought her so much joy during her ordeal that she decided to keep it on. She includes her paintings on scarves as in the photo above. Omolara Cookey 6 My experience deepened my resolve to foster my relationships and coming together more often with family and friends. Her advice to anyone going through a cancer prognosis… “Fight with everything you’ve got, if you don’t have faith, get it”. Mrs Cookey is one warrior princess whose battles she wears on her neck. It has been over 5 years since she survived breast cancer so for every year that goes past, she purchases a statement necklace, which she calls her victory necklace. It’s a reminder of what God brought her through.  Omolara Cookey 7 This fantastic shoot was made possible with these brilliant minds at work: Photography: @annyrobert Styling: @moashstyling Makeup: @makeupbykofo Scarf designs: @nojiartdesigns Written by @themoyosola for @flourish_africa  ]]>

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People & Lifestyle

Ghana Welcomes Starlink: Revolutionizing Connectivity

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31 mins ago

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April 27, 2024

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The National Communications Authority (NCA) in Ghana has recently approved the satellite broadband application of Starlink, a service by Elon Musk’s SpaceX, making Ghana the eighth African country to welcome this revolutionary internet service.

This development is set to challenge existing internet providers in the region, offering multi-gigabit speeds and lower latency through satellite technology.

Users have expressed satisfaction with Starlink’s service, citing significant improvements in speed and reliability compared to traditional providers. The service is currently available in seven African countries: Mozambique, Eswatini, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Nigeria.

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This expansion is expected to foster healthy competition and better offers, breaking the monopoly enjoyed by some internet providers. As Starlink continues to expand, it promises to revolutionize network access and connectivity in Africa, providing a much-needed boost to internet access across the continent.

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#AOTY2023: King Promise vs. Stonebwoy

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1 hour ago

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April 27, 2024

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The debate over King Promise’s candidacy for Artist of the Year has sparked a lively discussion among social media users, with arguments both for and against his potential win.

Supporters highlight his sold-out shows in Asia and the impact of his music, while critics point to other artists like Stonebwoy and Black Sherif, questioning the fairness of the awards process.

The discussion showcases the diverse opinions and passion surrounding the music industry in Ghana and beyond, with users engaging in playful banter and humorous remarks while presenting their arguments.

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‘Dubai in Accra’ set to thrill Ghanaians on Sunday, April 28

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16 hours ago

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April 27, 2024

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In the heart of Accra, excitement buzzes as the city eagerly anticipates the grand spectacle known as “Dubai in Accra,” set to take place this Sunday 28th April 2024 at the prestigious Stanbic Heights, Icon House Airport. (more…)

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s Reign

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1 day ago

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April 26, 2024

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Celebrating 25 Years: Otumfuo Osei Tutu II's Reign

Today marks the 25th anniversary of Otumfuo Osei Tutu II’s reign as the Asantehene, the King of the Ashanti Kingdom.

The celebrations, which began with spectacular fireworks witnessed by Otumfuo himself, will culminate in the Silver Jubilee anniversary on Akwasidaekese on June 12 at Dwabrem, Manhyia Palace.

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This milestone is a testament to Otumfuo’s impactful leadership, dedication to the Asante people, and contributions to education and research as the Chancellor of KNUST.

The event is being celebrated across Ghana, with well-wishes and congratulations pouring in from various quarters, highlighting the significance of this occasion for Asanteman and Ghana as a whole.

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Mr. Beast in Ghana: Surprising Visit Sparks Excitement

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1 day ago

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April 26, 2024

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Mr. Beast

World-renowned YouTuber Mr. Beast, known for his philanthropic acts, has been spotted in Ghana, specifically in Accra and Tema, sparking excitement among locals.

His visit has led to discussions about his choice of Ghana over other African countries, with some suggesting that the country’s popularity as a tourist destination played a role.

Mr. Beast’s presence in Ghana is part of his global outreach, as he recently gifted a Ghanaian $25,000 as part of his X (Twitter) giveaway.

Read Also: Producers of 'Beast of No Nation' return to filming in Ghana, causing upset in parliament

The YouTuber has been seen exploring the country and interacting with locals, with many expressing their desire to meet him and participate in his charitable endeavors.

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan in MP race for Ayawaso West Wuogon

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1 day ago

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April 26, 2024

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Stephen Appiah to contest John Dumelo and Lydia Alhassan

Former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah is set to enter the political fray by rubbing shoulders with notable personalities in the upcoming general elections.

The former Juventus midfielder is believed to be lacing his boots to face the likes of John Dumelo and the incumbent member of Parliament for the Ayawaso West Wuogon Constituency Lydia Alhassan.

While Dumelo and Alhassan represents the NDC and NPP respectively, Appiah is expected feature in the elections as an independent candidate.

This was revealed by the Spokesperson of the Ayew family Fiifi Tackie via X on Friday afternoon.

“Stephen Appiah to contest Ayawaso West Wuogon constituency as an independent Parliamentary candidate,” he wrote.

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If Stephen Appiah affirms the reported news, he will be following in the footsteps of other renowned figures in Ghana football who have indulged in politics recently.

Earlier this year, all-time top scorer of the Black Stars Asamoah Gyan was appointed as the sub-committee chair of Youth and Sports in the campaign committee of Dr Bawumia, the flagbearer of the ruling New Patriotic Party.

In acceptance of the appointment, Gyan emphasised the need to share hos ideas garnered through experience in the game.

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‘I have enough experience to contribute to sports – Asamoah Gyan reacts to political appointment
“I always ask myself, how do we create change if we don’t want to change? How do we spectate without being on the bench, and how do we score without being on the field?… All I know and will ever know, all I love and will ever love is SPORTS.” he stated.

Another figure in Ghana football who recently announced his intention to engage in partisan politics is Kwesi Nyantakyi, former Ghana Football Association (GFA).

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The former football administrator showed up as one of the candidates to contest in the NPP primaries for the Ejisu constituency following the demise of incumbent John Kumah.

However, it didn’t pan out well for the former Wa All Stars owner as he lost disappointingly.

He garnered a paltry 35 votes after close to 1,081 delegates had cast their votes in the parliamentary primary of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) held in the Ejisu Constituency on April 13.

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