Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang urges decentralised cancer care for rural communities

Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for the urgent decentralisation of cancer diagnosis and treatment to ensure patients in hard-to-reach communities can access specialist care. Speaking at the launch of the 2026 Thank You Teacher National Raffle, she emphasised that while Accra serves as a central hub for medical services, the distance and high costs associated with travel remain significant barriers for those living in rural areas. The Vice President advocated for a shift toward patient-centered care that prioritises early detection and sustained support.

To address these geographic disparities, the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has announced plans to establish satellite centres connected to the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre. This initiative aims to bring diagnostic and treatment capabilities closer to local communities, reducing the burden on families forced to travel to the capital for life-saving interventions. During the event, the CEO of the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre also revealed a strategic partnership with MahamaCares, a social intervention programme, to further support and subsidise cancer treatment for those in need.

Highlighting the significance of the event falling during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Professor Opoku-Agyemang noted that early detection is only effective if there is a clear and accessible pathway to treatment. GNAT President Prosper Tachie joined the call for improved healthcare infrastructure, urging the government to provide the necessary budget allocations to ensure the long-term sustainability of the medical centre’s operations. The 2026 raffle serves a dual purpose: honouring the nation’s educators while raising vital funds to bolster cancer support services across the country.