Tanko Tackles Cancer Issues In Volta Region With CEANA

The Volta Region’s efforts toward advancing healthcare and research have received a potential boost following a high-level engagement between Dr. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah and the President of the Council of Ewe Associations North America (CEANA), Mr. William Edem Kumah.

Mr. Kumah, who paid a courtesy call on Dr. Kwamigah – Volta Region Representative of the Council of State on Tuesday, used the opportunity to commend the latter for his developmental initiatives across the region, particularly in the health sector.

The meeting, described as cordial and forward-looking, focused on strengthening partnerships to address critical healthcare challenges, including cancer care.

A central theme of the discussions was CEANA’s ambitious proposal to establish a modern cancer research centre at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho.

“A key highlight of our discussion was CEANA’s vision to partner with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho, to establish a modern Research Center dedicated to studying the types of cancer affecting people within the West African sub-region and advancing treatment solutions. This proposed center has the potential to become a transformative institution for healthcare delivery and medical research in our part of the world” Mr. Tanko made it known in a Facebook post after the meeting.

According to Mr. Kumah, the proposed facility would be dedicated to studying cancer patterns prevalent in West Africa and advancing treatment solutions tailored to the sub-region.

He noted that such a centre would not only enhance research capacity but also position the Volta Region as a hub for medical innovation and specialized healthcare delivery.

Reflecting on CEANA’s 25-year track record, Mr. Kumah pointed to the association’s contributions to community development but lamented what he described as a persistent “weak maintenance culture” affecting many public institutions.

He stressed the need for a shift in mindset to ensure sustainability of development projects.

In response, Dr. Kwamigah welcomed the proposal and pledged the full backing of his foundation. He indicated his readiness to engage corporate institutions within Ghana, as well as international development partners, to support the establishment of the centre.

The Volta Region representative also reaffirmed his commitment to CEANA by fulfilling a prior pledge made during the association’s 2026 launch in Ho, where he served as Special Guest of Honour.

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This afternoon, I received the President of the Council of Ewe Associations North America 🇺🇸 (CEANA), Mr. William Edem Kumah, who paid a courtesy call on me to express the association’s appreciation for my work in the Volta Region. It was a warm and productive engagement centered on development, health, and the future of cancer care in our region.

Mr. Kumah reflected on the impactful work CEANA 🇺🇸 has undertaken over the past 25 years and highlighted one of the major challenges confronting many of our institutions; the lack of a strong maintenance culture. He emphasized the urgent need for a paradigm shift in our approach to sustaining projects and public infrastructure.

A key highlight of our discussion was CEANA’s vision to partner with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS), Ho, to establish a modern Research Center dedicated to studying the types of cancer affecting people within the West African sub-region and advancing treatment solutions. This proposed center has the potential to become a transformative institution for healthcare delivery and medical research in our part of the world.

Mr. Kumah, who specializes in cancer research and treatment, expressed surprise that Ghana currently lacks a LINAC machine, an essential technology widely used in cancer treatment. He noted, with concern, that such machines are even used to treat dogs in Switzerland, yet remain unavailable here for human cancer care. This stark reality underscores the urgency of investing in advanced healthcare infrastructure.

He further shared that the proposed Research Center would serve as a legacy project of CEANA in the Volta Region at UHAS, and appealed for my support in helping make this vision a reality.

In response, I assured him of the full support of my foundation for this novel idea. I also pledged to explore avenues for engaging Corporate Ghana and international development partners to contribute towards the success of this important project.

I also took the opportunity to redeem the pledge I made to CEANA a few weeks ago during their 2026 launch in Ho, where I served as Special Guest of Honour.

I look forward to joining them at this year’s conference in September in Maryland, USA 🇺🇸 , as we continue working together to advance healthcare, research, and development for our people.