Cape coast: The Viva Turkson Foundation (VTF) has initiated the construction of a pioneering paediatric oncology unit at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital (CCTH). The facility is set to expand access to child-centered cancer care in the Central Region and beyond.
According to Ghana News Agency, the 30-bed, two-storey container structure is designed specifically to meet the needs of children with cancer, providing age-appropriate treatment and recovery spaces. Scheduled for completion in six months, the facility will include a daycare unit, in-patient ward, pharmacy, and a high-dependency unit for patients needing closer monitoring.
The facility is being built with support from multiple donors and by Nest Reality Real Estate Developer, a notable company known for its unique container buildings for health centers across the country. Once completed, it is expected to alleviate logistical, financial, and emotional burdens on families who currently travel long distances from various regions to access paediatric oncology services at CCTH.
Furthermore, the unit will help prevent the current practice of caregivers sleeping in hospital corridors and young cancer patients recovering in shared wards, which can increase infection risks. Mrs. Jane Williams Turkson, the founder of the Foundation, shared her inspiration for the project, citing the loss of her daughter to Wilms' tumor and the difficult experience of seeking treatment.
She emphasized the limited paediatric oncology infrastructure in Ghana, highlighting the need for age-appropriate facilities to prevent additional trauma for patients and families. With contributions from Dr. Emmanuella Amoako, the Paediatric Oncologist at CCTH, and other partners, the facility aims to be more than just infrastructure but a testament to the care every child in Ghana deserves.
Dr. Eric Kofi Ngyedu, CEO of CCTH, described the project as a transformative milestone for the region. He noted that the facility would reduce treatment delays, financial hardship, and abandonment while enhancing the hospital's capacity for early detection and quality oncology services.
Osabarima Kwesi Atta II, Paramount Chief of Oguaa Traditional Area, called for community support, stressing the urgency of providing specialized care close to home for children with cancer. He encouraged collaboration among chiefs, government, NGOs, and the public to support the project, reminding everyone of the indiscriminate nature of cancer.