Traditional Priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam Appeals to President Mahama for Visa Assistance for Urgent US Medical Treatment

Renowned Ghanaian traditional priest Nana Kwaku Bonsam has issued a public appeal to President John Dramani Mahama and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, seeking administrative assistance to travel to the United States for specialized medical care. The priest is requesting the government's support in securing the necessary documentation, including a potential service passport or an official recommendation letter, to facilitate a visa for a skin graft procedure at Harlem Hospital in New York.

Bonsam revealed that he has been suffering from a persistent facial wound that has caused him significant distress and sleepless nights. Despite his own expertise in traditional medicine, he noted that previous treatments for this specific ailment have proven ineffective, leading him to seek advanced surgical intervention abroad. He emphasized that the situation has become urgent, requiring the expertise of specialists at the renowned New York facility to ensure a successful recovery.

Clarifying the nature of his request, Nana Kwaku Bonsam stated that he is not seeking financial sponsorship from the state. He maintained that he is fully prepared to self-fund the entirety of his medical expenses and travel costs. His appeal is strictly focused on overcoming the bureaucratic hurdles associated with international travel for medical purposes, as he believes official government backing would expedite his visa processing at the US Embassy.

The request highlights a unique intersection between traditional practitioners and the state's diplomatic channels. While the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regularly assists citizens with emergency travel needs, a public appeal to the presidency underscores the perceived severity of the priest's health condition. As of this report, the Office of the President and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have not yet issued a formal response regarding whether they will provide the requested documentation support.