MARYLAND, USA — September 04 2026
Mr Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, Member of Ghana’s Council of State, has backed a proposal to establish a cancer research centre in the Volta Region, saying the initiative could significantly strengthen cancer diagnosis, treatment, research and specialist healthcare in the region.
The proposed centre, which is being discussed as a potential collaboration between the Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) and the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, is expected to help address some of the gaps in cancer care and medical research affecting patients in the region and beyond.
Speaking at the 2026 CEANA Conference in Maryland, Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple said the proposal emerged from a recent discussion with CEANA President, Mr. William Edem Kumah, on how the organisation could support UHAS and contribute to healthcare development in the Volta Region.
He said a well-equipped research centre could provide an important platform for studying cancers prevalent in Ghana and the wider West African sub-region while supporting improved diagnosis, treatment approaches and professional training.
The initiative could also strengthen the region’s capacity to generate local medical knowledge and reduce dependence on external institutions for specialised research and expertise.
Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple said the need for stronger cancer-care infrastructure was particularly important given concerns about access to modern treatment technologies in Ghana, including Linear Accelerators (LINACs) used in radiotherapy.
He said the challenge demonstrated that improving cancer care required more than constructing healthcare facilities.
According to him, effective cancer treatment depends on the availability of specialised medical personnel, modern diagnostic and treatment equipment, research capacity, effective management systems and partnerships capable of bringing advanced expertise and technology into the country.
“I have indicated my willingness to support further discussions around the research-centre idea,” he said.
He said the proposed facility could bring together relevant government institutions, Corporate Ghana, development partners, medical professionals and international institutions to explore ways of strengthening cancer services in the region.
Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple, however, stressed that the proposal would require detailed consultation, technical planning and adequate resources to ensure that any centre established would be properly equipped and sustainable.
Potential Impact on Cancer Care
The Council of State Member said the proposed centre could provide a platform for research, specialist training, early detection, improved diagnosis and the development of locally relevant approaches to cancer treatment.
He also encouraged stronger partnerships between UHAS and universities and research institutions in North America to facilitate knowledge transfer, professional development and access to advanced medical technologies.
Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple identified UHAS as a key institution capable of supporting the development of advanced healthcare and medical research in the Volta Region.
He said the involvement of the Ewe diaspora could help connect the university and other Ghanaian institutions to specialised expertise, research networks, technology and potential investment in the healthcare sector.
The proposed cancer research centre, he said, could ultimately become an important regional resource for improving cancer care and medical research, while creating opportunities for collaboration between Ghanaian health institutions and their international counterparts.
The initiative forms part of broader discussions at the CEANA conference on how the Ewe diaspora can move beyond philanthropic support towards sustainable institutional partnerships that strengthen healthcare systems and improve long-term health outcomes in the Volta Region.
