GHANA—Breast Care International (BCI) has launched the construction of a Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence (CCOE) valued at US$100 million, located on a 52-acre plot at Kwaso in the Ejisu Municipality of the Ashanti Region, Ghana.
This facility, named after Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will be the first cancer center in the country dedicated to researching, diagnosing, and treating various forms of cancer.
According to the Global Cancer Observatory, Ghana registered an estimated 27,385 new cancer cases and approximately 17,944 deaths in 2022, with breast, liver, cervical uteri, and prostate cancers ranked as the top four.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony, Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, the founder of BCI, emphasized the critical need for a comprehensive cancer center in Ghana.
She highlighted how the absence of such a facility has hindered cancer treatment, forcing many patients who can afford it to seek medical attention abroad.
According to her, the new cancer center is a concept born from a cancer research analysis book launched in 2022 titled The Lancet Oncology on Sub-Saharan Africa, which aims to ensure more accessible treatment for all cancer patients within the country.
In addition, Dr. Addai mentioned that Ghana is expected to benefit from an innovative cancer treatment developed by Prof. Wil Ngwa, the Director of the Global Health Catalyst.
She revealed that Ghana would be the first country in Africa to utilize this invention. Prof. Ngwa, who also attended the event, acknowledged that the U.S. government, under President Biden’s initiative to combat cancer, has allocated US$200 million to support Africa’s fight against the disease.
While recognizing the significance of this financial support, he stressed that it alone would not be sufficient to address the global cancer challenge completely.
Prof. Ngwa further explained that the U.S. plans to collaborate with African nations through its Cancer Moonshot Initiative, a White House program designed to provide renewed leadership in cancer research and treatment, foster new partnerships, and drive meaningful progress in combating cancer.
He praised Ghana for its initiative in establishing the CCOE, positioning the country as a strategic partner in the global fight against cancer.
Moreover, Prof. Ngwa noted that the construction of the cancer center would address healthcare challenges and contribute to economic growth in the region.
He urged Ghanaians to support the project through both monetary contributions and public awareness campaigns on cancer prevention.
Representing the Asantehene at the ceremony, Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, the Otumfuo Hiahene, announced that the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Charity Foundation would contribute US$100,000 to the project, spread over five years in annual donations of US$20,000, which will play a key role as the construction progresses.
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