Let's unite to defeat cancer — Presbyterian Church of Ghana

The Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of Ghana (PCG), Rt Rev. Dr Abraham Nana Opare Kwakye, has called on Ghanaians to collaborate to drastically reduce the number of cancer-related deaths in Ghana. 

The moderator made this call at a fundraising launch to build the Presbyterian Comprehensive Cancer Care Centre.  

The event, which took place in Accra last Saturday was attended by executives of the church, the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, representatives from some ministries and political parties, as well as a cross-section of Ghanaians.

Rt Rev. Dr Kwakye Opare, who launched the commencement of fundraising efforts towards the project, urged Ghanaians to participate in and contribute towards the church's project to facilitate its fruition.

“As a church, we recognise the profound impact that cancer has on families, communities and the nation as a whole. “Therefore, it is our moral, civic and spiritual duty to work together to combat this disease,” the moderator said. 

Rt Rev. Dr Kwakye Opare acknowledged that the church frequently partnered governments, non-governmental organisations and individuals to enhance overall healthcare delivery in Ghana.

"However, since cancer is one of the leading causes of death in Ghana, it demands a more prominent level of attention. This is why we expect some very serious collaboration to make sure that this cancer centre becomes a reality," he asserted. 

Project

The head of the steering committee of the project, Professor Ernest Kenu, revealed that the Presbyterian Comprehensive Cancer Centre will be a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to providing the very best of cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and support for patients and their families.

He indicated that the estimated cost of the project was $ 144.6 million.

Furthermore, the facility would be located at Kpone-Katamanso in the Greater Accra Region and would be the biggest cancer treatment facility in Ghana and the sub-region upon completion.

Support

Various organisations, government officials and individuals at the event offered financial support to helping the project to fruition. This included contributions from the Minister of Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs, Stephen Asamoah Boateng, on behalf of President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo- Addo and Vice-President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia.

A former Minister of Youth and Sports, Elvis Afriyie Ankrah, also made contributions on behalf of former President John Mahama.

Further significant contributions were made on behalf of the Ministry of Health, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Special Group of Companies, Dr Ernest Ofori Sarpong, and many other organisations and individuals.