IAEA, Health Ministry Partner To Establish Radiotherapy Centre In Tamale

A delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) led by their Deputy Director-General, Mr. Hua Liu, has paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to discuss plans toward establishing a radiotherapy and nuclear medicine centre in Tamale to expand access to cancer treatment in northern Ghana.

During the meeting, both parties reasserted their commitment to deepening collaboration in nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, and capacity building under the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme.

Hon. Akandoh noted that the project is timely, as cancer patients from the northern regions often travel long distances to Kumasi and Accra for radiotherapy services.

“It is heartbreaking that many have to journey across regions, or even to neighbouring countries, for treatment. Establishing this facility in Tamale will bring hope and relief to thousands of patients,” the Minister said.

He added that the Ministry has yet to receive a bankable document for the proposed radiotherapy project and will work tirelessly to secure the necessary support for its implementation.

For his part, Mr. Hua Liu commended Ghana’s longstanding partnership with the IAEA and highlighted the country’s leadership role in nuclear medicine education and training through the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences.

He emphasized that Ghana’s progress in radiological science demonstrates the value of sustained technical cooperation, adding that the IAEA remains committed to helping Ghana strengthen its radiotherapy infrastructure and human resource base.