The Leukaemia Foundation Project is planning a Bone Marrow Transplant Centre in Ghana, with an estimated price tag of about $11 million, including the necessary equipment. Peter Osei-Tutu, the Vice President of the foundation, revealed this figure on JoyNews’ AM Show on Monday, December 15, while discussing the documentary “Leukaemia: Last Chance Abroad.” The goal is to close major gaps in leukaemia care within the country and reduce the need for patients to seek treatment overseas.
“The entire project, including the equipment for the centre, would cost roughly $11 million, equivalent to about GH₵177 million,” he stated.
The foundation hopes to break ground and begin construction early next year, aiming to start the project in February. Yet fundraising remains a significant hurdle, particularly if they want to meet the proposed two-year completion timeline.
“It’s crucial that we raise enough funds to finish the project within the two-year period we’re targeting,” he emphasized.
Osei-Tutu explained that the JoyNews documentary highlighted serious gaps in the range of leukaemia treatment options currently available in Ghana. As shown in the documentary, not every aspect of treatment can be performed locally, which influenced the decision to create a specialized facility.
“That’s why we felt it prudent to establish a genetic centre where some services not yet offered in Ghana can be provided domestically,” he said.
The proposed centre is expected to significantly relieve the burden on families who now must travel abroad for treatment. He illustrated this with the example of the patient featured in the documentary, noting that having care at home would allow patients to stay close to family support.
While some treatment modalities are accessible in Ghana, crucial procedures remain out of reach. “There are many aspects where the disease can be suppressed, but not all essential amenities are available here,” he explained. “Bone marrow transplants and cell transplants are among the key procedures we need to perform locally instead of sending families overseas.”
He acknowledged that fundraising has been challenging, despite some corporate backing. “Raising funds for these initiatives here is very tough,” he commented, citing support from institutions such as Stanbic and Ecobank.
Osei-Tutu called on corporations and individuals to back the initiative, stressing that leukemia can affect anyone. “We need corporate bodies and individuals to help us raise sufficient funds to complete the project,” he urged, emphasizing that every contribution matters.
He encouraged public participation, even if the donation is modest. “Even a single cedi helps save a life. When you donate, you become part of the project’s success and you carry that sense of contribution forward.”
Emphasizing the urgency, he described leukemia as a critical disease and underscored the importance of finishing the centre as soon as possible so that patients can receive timely help.
Osei-Tutu shared a personal motivation for his involvement: his elder brother died from leukemia, strengthening his resolve to advance this project and save more lives.
He also noted that awareness of cancer is gradually rising in Ghana. In the past, cancer was not widely acknowledged, but people are increasingly recognizing it as a serious threat.
Finally, he praised JoyNews for bringing national attention to the issue and helping people understand the type of disease we’re dealing with and the necessity of creating resources to address it.
Read also: Joy Cancer Awareness Month: Expert warns parents on early signs and treatment of childhood leukemia (https://www.myjoyonline.com/joy-cancer-awareness-month-expert-warns-parents-on-early-signs-and-treatment-of-childhood-leukaemia/)
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