A high-level delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), headed by Deputy Director-General Mr. Hua Liu, recently met with Ghana’s Minister for Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to advance discussions on a vital public health initiative. The core of the meeting was to finalize concrete plans for establishing a new radiotherapy and nuclear medicine centre in Tamale. This strategic facility is intended to significantly expand access to critical cancer treatment services for residents throughout the northern regions of Ghana, directly addressing a long-standing geographical gap in specialized healthcare infrastructure.
During the discussions, both the IAEA and the Ministry reasserted their strong commitment to deepening their ongoing collaboration in the fields of nuclear medicine, radiotherapy, and essential capacity building through the existing framework of the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme.
Minister Akandoh emphasized the urgent and timely nature of the proposed project, underscoring the severe hardships currently faced by cancer patients in northern Ghana. He described the situation as “heartbreaking,” noting that patients are frequently forced to undertake long, arduous journeys to treatment centres located in far-off Kumasi and Accra, or even to neighbouring countries, to access necessary radiotherapy services.
The Minister expressed great confidence that the new Tamale facility would “bring hope and relief to thousands of patients,” significantly reducing the physical and financial burden of seeking care. He assured the IAEA delegation that while the Ministry awaits the final “bankable document” for the proposed project, it is committed to working tirelessly to secure all necessary support to ensure its swift and successful implementation.
For his part, Mr. Hua Liu commended Ghana’s established track record and longstanding partnership with the IAEA. He specifically highlighted the country’s significant leadership role in the West African sub-region regarding nuclear medicine education and training, particularly through the efforts of the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences.
Mr. Liu pointed out that Ghana’s continuous progress in radiological science clearly demonstrates the profound value of sustained technical cooperation. He concluded by reaffirming the IAEA’s steadfast commitment to helping Ghana further strengthen its national radiotherapy infrastructure and to develop its human resource base in this specialized medical field.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
