GNAT Cancer Foundation expresses concern over rising cancer rates among teachers

The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) Cancer Foundation (GCF) has raised alarms about the increasing number of cancer cases among teachers. 

At the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre, there are currently 2,666 GNAT cancer patients, with 2,388 in active service and 278 retirees.

The Chair of the Foundation's Board, Mr. Asante Thomas Amstrong, highlighted that cancer cases are surging among their members, leading to significant financial strain. As a result, the Foundation has prioritised preventive education, treatment, and sustainable management of the disease.

"At present, our members contribute GH₵5 to the Cancer Fund, which is insufficient given the rising costs of treatment and management. This GHS5 covers the member, their spouse, and two children under 18. Since 2022, retirees have also been included in the beneficiary list," Mr. Asante noted.

"The average cost of treating a cancer patient ranges from GH₵45,000 to GH₵250,000. We must therefore find sustainable solutions for treatment and management to prevent this grave issue from further impacting our already struggling educational system," Dr. Clement Adusa, Chief Executive Officer at Sweden Ghana Medical Centre, urged. He appealed to the public to support GCF's efforts to save lives.

The Fund Administrator, Mr. Nana Kwame Ababio Kramo, announced the launch of the GH₵5 For My Teacher campaign with shortcode *776*123# on MTN, Vodafone, and AirtelTigo networks.

As part of its initiative to combat cancer sustainably, the GCF is running this fundraising campaign to solicit donations from everyone whose life has been touched by a teacher, aiming to help save their lives from cancer and related illnesses.

In response, Ghana’s largest educators' association has established the GNAT Cancer Fund and the GNAT Cancer Foundation. Additionally, the Association has acquired the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre to provide life-saving cancer treatment for its over 260,000 members, their spouses, two children under 18 years, and retiree members.

The Association has enhanced the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre to become one of the most preferred world-class cancer treatment facilities in West Africa. This initiative demonstrates GNAT's commitment to addressing development challenges independently, recognizing that the government alone cannot resolve all issues. The Centre is also accessible to the general public.

With this significant step toward securing its members' welfare, the Association invites government ministries, agencies, private corporations, religious bodies, the diplomatic community, and all who wish to support educators to contribute to the sustainability of this effort.