Asantehene cuts sod for construction of an oncology center at Kwaso
The Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has cut sod for the construction of an oncology center at Kwaso in the Ejisu municipality in the Ashanti region, Ghana.
The project, which will be sited on a 52-acre land, is named Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence (CCCoE), in honour of the 16th King of Asante Kingdom.
The sod-cutting ceremony, which was held on Friday, October 11, 2024, was performed by Otumfuo Hiahene Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, who represented the Asantehene.
With an estimated investment of $100 million, it is being funded by Breast Care International (BCI), Peace and Love Hospitals, and global partners Global Health Catalyst, and the University of Pennsylvania, USA.
The project’s first phase is estimated to cost $10 million, comprising Clinical Services (Radiotherapy suite), a Research Wing, an AI Hub, Education Centre, and Community Outreach.
Upon the project’s completion, it will provide the much-needed dedicated facility for cancer care, prevention, awareness creation, diagnostics, screening, treatment, research, training, education, telemedicine, AI Hub, palliative care, and rehabilitation, including survivorship, for all cancers.
The President of Breast Care International (BCI), Dr Mrs Beatrice Wiafe Addai, said in her speech, that the successful implementation of the oncology will not only benefit the people of Ghana and West Africa but also contribute to the broader advancement of cancer care on the African continent.
“The Center will also be the hub for medical tourism and stop the movement of cancer patients from Africa to other continents for treatments,” she added.
The CCCoE is dedicated to providing cutting-edge facilities for comprehensive cancer care, including prevention, awareness, diagnosis, screening, treatment, and rehabilitation, according to her.
Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai, who is also the CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals in Kumasi and Accra, emphasized that the state-of-the-art technologies in the facility will ensure that the public receives the best possible care tailored to their needs.
In conclusion, Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai posited that “this state-of-the-art facility promises to revolutionize cancer care in the country and the West African Sub-region. This project is very timely and demand-driven. Please you are all entreated to help make this dream come true.”
Founder and director of Global Health Catalyst, Prof Will Ngwa, who has invested $1 million as seed money in the project, in his speech called on Ghanaians to support the facility in the cancer fight.
“As I come here from the USA, and those who are present here, I want everyone to partner with local people to make this cancer center a reality, Prof Will Ngwa, who is also a professor at the John’s Hopkins University,” said.
Otumfuo Hiahene Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II in speech, commended Dr Beatrice Wiafe Addai and her team, and specifically, Prof Will Ngwa, for his $1 million contribution to the project, and for bringing the project to Ghana, and for that matter, the Ashanti region.
As the Chairperson of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation, which has a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate with BCI to build the centre, he pledged a sum of $100,000 for the period of five and, with GHC20,000 a year, until the completion of the facility.
Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II stated that constructing a cancer center in Ghana would significantly improve cancer care, address existing challenges, and demonstrate the country’s commitment to healthcare.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence (CCCoE)
Upon completion, the facility will employ more than 250 staff, with more than 48 rooms and offices. Among them include Multidisciplinary Team, decision-making room, Chemotherapy suite, Brachytherapy suite (Brachytherapy prep room, and Brachytherapy control room
Others are CT scan simulators and control rooms, Admission wards and rooms, laboratories, Chemotherapy preparatory rooms, Minor procedure rooms, Kitchens, and Examination rooms.
The rest are X-RAY machines, Elevators for patients and staff, Medical stores, a Pharmacy, an Open terrace, Simulation rooms/centers, Surgical theatres, and a Recovery ward
Source: Ghana/otecfmghana.com/Francis Appiah
