Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Cancer Centre of Excellence Will Guarantee Healthcare Equity- Development Partner

Prof Stephen Avery, a development partner of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Cancer Centre of Excellence says the multipurpose medical facility will provide equity in healthcare delivery once completed.

He assured the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, of the requisite health care delivery regardless of the social standing of patients.

“It will be dedicated to equity so that no matter who you are as a patient, you are guaranteed that you get world-class cancer care,” he said on May 30, 2025, during a courtesy visit.

According to him, the idea is to establish the most advanced cancer centre on the continent under His Majesty’s name which will transform cancer care, education and research in Africa.

“It’s not just a hospital but a centre of excellence where we will have Artificial Intelligence that we use for diagnostics and virtual reality technology in order to train the next generation. We have a global university which will be aligned with KNUST and other partners which will build capacity.”

He said the medical institution will also be forging partnerships with renowned health institutions like Havard, the University of Pennsylvania and John Hopkin to advance research in cancer and its treatment.

“This will be a centre none has ever seen before. This will be a legacy which will be expanded. We are not just building the future. What makes this centre historic is that it will be rooted in excellence, cultural identity powered by the most sophisticated technology and innovative research.”

Former Ghana Medical Association President, Dr Opoku Adusei who is on board in his remarks indicated that the project was in the best interest of the Ashanti Region as it has one of the “poorest” health systems in the country.

“When Dr Wiafe approached me about the project after my retirement, I readily accepted to be part because I am interested in improving the health system in the region.”

He further appealed to Otumfuo to leverage his international and domestic influence to clear all obstacles to expedite the process.

“Many Ghanaians travel across the world for medical treatment and die. His Majesty should leverage his connections to bring the project to fruition. It’s an appeal I humbly make.”

For his part, Prof Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health Sciences at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), expressed commitment to the project.

“The fact that it bears Otumfuo’s name made it imperative that we accepted to join to give our utmost support.”

It was the view of Sidi Mohamed Sayah, a Radiation Medical Physicist who is also the owner of the construction company that a royal partnership could be a catalyst for the project.

He made this indication while referencing how the Monarch of Morocco’s partnership enabled the country to increase from two cancer centres in 1999 to 44 in 2025.

“We are here asking His Majesty to honour us with his help to make things happen.”

Dr Beatrice Wiafe led the delegation to the Manhyia Palace purposely to report on the progress and challenges of the project and seek the intervention of His Majesty.

She presented to the Palace a comprehensive report to update the King about the status.

Receiving it, Otumfuo expressed gratitude to all the development partners for their support towards Dr Wiafe’s vision.

His Majesty extolled the resilience of the breast cancer advocate, calling her a “jewel in the crown”.

“She is a very resilient lady and she is very determined to be able to achieve this. She has used Peace and Love Hospital to advance women’s healthcare advocacy. It’s something I respect her for and will still support her. She is the jewel in the crown.”

The Asantehene stated that the most important aspect of the project was to get the needed resources to construct the facility.

“Naming it after me is an honour but I need that after it has been completed. I will go through your brochure so I know the kind of help that will be needed.”

Meanwhile, the King committed to assisting to advance the course.

“I am pledging my support in any way possible. For us to be able to do this. In Morocco, my dear friend, King Mohammed is there so if we have to go to talk to him for funding I can guarantee.”

“I will go through the report for us to know how best we market this to achieve the purpose. Health care will inure to the benefit of the country. The government alone cannot do it.”

The delegation also included Professor Edward Wiafe who’s the Pro Vice Chancellor of the University of Environment and Sustainable Development and is a member of the Board of Directors of the CCCoE and Mr. Vincent Ronfile, the International Consultant for the project.

Source: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/