GMTF woos us partners to boost cancer care and specialist healthcare in Ghana

The Ghana Medical Trust Fund (GMTF) has appealed to American hospitals, healthcare investors, medical schools, foundations and philanthropists to partner with Ghana to expand access to specialised healthcare, particularly for patients battling cancer and other chronic diseases.

The Administrator of the Fund, Adjoa Obuobia Darko-Opoku, made the appeal during a Ghana-Tennessee Business and Investor Roundtable in Nashville, Tennessee, where she outlined the Fund’s achievements and invited US-based institutions to translate their interest in Ghana’s healthcare development into practical partnerships.

She said collaboration with American institutions could help address critical gaps in cancer treatment, medical diagnostics, specialist training and healthcare infrastructure while reducing the financial burden on patients and their families.

“For many families, a diagnosis is difficult enough. But the next question is often even more frightening: how are we going to afford the treatment, and where can we access this care?” she said.

Ms. Darko-Opoku explained that the Fund was established to provide financial support for specialised treatment, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, train specialist professionals and support research into chronic diseases.

She disclosed that more than 800 patients had been enrolled for treatment under the Fund’s services package, which covers 13 common cancers in Ghana, neurosurgical conditions and cardiovascular and kidney diseases.

Cardiac Care Restored as Major Investments Advance

Highlighting key achievements, the Administrator said the Fund had reconstructed the cardiac catheterisation laboratory at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital following a fire that disrupted services.

Commissioned by President John Dramani Mahama, the facility has since supported more than 160 procedures, including those involving 110 children, restoring access to critical cardiac interventions.

The Fund is also supporting the expansion of cancer care, with oncology centres under construction at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi and Tamale Teaching Hospital.

In partnership with the KGL Group, GMTF is pursuing a proposed US$10 million diagnostic and imaging centre at Ridge Hospital to improve access to MRI, CT scans and mammography.

Ms. Darko-Opoku further disclosed plans for an advanced comprehensive oncology centre at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to help ease pressure on existing cancer treatment facilities and reduce waiting times.

The Fund is also investing close to GH¢1 billion in retooling major hospitals with essential medical equipment, including dialysis machines, intensive care unit beds, oxygen concentrators and patient monitors.

To address specialist workforce shortages, GMTF is sponsoring the training of 100 specialist pharmacists and 100 specialist nurses and supporting the establishment of specialist medical training centres in six regions. Its GMTF Care digital platform is also facilitating patient enrolment across participating health facilities.

Five Areas Open for US Partnerships

Ms. Darko-Opoku identified five priority areas for collaboration with American institutions: healthcare infrastructure, medical equipment and technology, specialist training and clinical exchanges, research and innovation, and financial assistance for patients who cannot afford specialised treatment.

She said the Fund was particularly interested in partnerships that could provide access to advanced cancer diagnostics and treatment, specialist fellowships for Ghanaian health professionals, equipment for hospitals and joint research to improve chronic disease prevention and care.

The Fund is also exploring an expansion of its treatment package to cover additional conditions, including kidney transplantation, while strengthening specialist capacity in oncology, cardiovascular medicine and urology.

Acknowledging the scale of the challenge, the Administrator said government resources alone would not be sufficient to meet Ghana’s growing specialised healthcare needs.

Direct Call to Action for American Institutions

Ms. Darko-Opoku called on hospitals, universities, foundations, investors and members of the Ghanaian diaspora in the United States to move beyond expressions of goodwill and engage the Fund on specific, measurable interventions.

She invited interested organisations to request a partnership meeting with GMTF to identify a priority project, agree on the technical or financial contribution, and develop a clear implementation plan with measurable outcomes.

Potential partners could support a Ghanaian hospital with diagnostic equipment, establish a specialist training or clinical exchange programme, contribute to cancer care infrastructure, fund research or help vulnerable patients access life-saving treatment.

“We are open to partnerships that bring together investment, technical expertise and a shared commitment to results,” she said.

The Administrator said such collaboration would help expand access to specialised care, strengthen Ghana’s medical workforce and reduce the extent to which a patient’s chances of survival depend on their financial circumstances or place of residence.

She urged interested US institutions and individuals to initiate discussions with the Fund following the Nashville engagement to explore areas of mutual interest and develop concrete proposals for collaboration.

“What we have achieved so far shows what is possible. With the right partnerships, we can do much more,” she said.

The Fund’s appeal presents an opportunity for American healthcare institutions, investors and philanthropists to contribute expertise, technology and resources towards strengthening specialised healthcare delivery in Ghana.