The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has broken ground for the construction of an oncology center in Kwaso, Ejisu Municipality, Ashanti Region, Ghana.

The project named the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence (CCCoE), is situated on a 52-acre plot to honour the 16th King of the Asante Kingdom.

The sod-cutting ceremony took place on Friday, October 11, 2024, with Otumfuo Hiahene, Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, representing the Asantehene.

The estimated $100 million investment comes from Breast Care International (BCI), Peace and Love Hospitals, and global partners, including Global Health Catalyst and the University of Pennsylvania, USA.

The first phase of the project, costing $10 million, will include Clinical Services (Radiotherapy suite), a Research Wing, an AI Hub, an Education Centre, and Community Outreach.

Once completed, the project will offer facilities for cancer care, prevention, awareness, diagnostics, screening, treatment, research, training, education, telemedicine, an AI Hub, palliative care, and rehabilitation for all types of cancers.

Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, President of Breast Care International (BCI), stated that the oncology center will benefit Ghana, West Africa, and advance cancer care across Africa.

The facility aims to provide advanced cancer care services tailored to individual needs using state-of-the-art technologies.

Prof Will Ngwa, founder of Global Health Catalyst, has invested $1 million in the project and urged Ghanaians to support the cancer center.

Otumfuo Hiahene Nana Prof Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II praised Dr. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Prof Will Ngwa, and their contribution to improving cancer care in Ghana.

The completion of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence (CCCoE) will provide employment for over 250 staff members and include various specialized rooms and facilities.

The facility will feature a Multidisciplinary Team, Chemotherapy suite, Brachytherapy suite, CT scan simulators, admission wards, laboratories, X-ray machines, surgical theatres, and more.