Tanko Atokple Backs Proposal For Cancer Research Centre In Volta Region

Member of Ghana’s Council of State, H.E. Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple, has expressed support for discussions towards establishing a research centre focused on cancer and other diseases affecting people in Ghana and the wider West African sub-region.

Speaking at the 2026 CEANA Conference in Maryland, Mr Kwamigah-Atokple disclosed that the proposal emerged from a recent conversation with CEANA President William Edem Kumah, who had discussed the possibility of CEANA working with the University of Health and Allied Sciences, UHAS, in Ho.

He described the proposal as the kind of institutional initiative capable of creating an impact beyond a single development project.

The Council of State Member said the discussion also highlighted significant gaps in Ghana’s cancer treatment capacity.

He referenced concerns raised by the CEANA President about the availability of modern radiotherapy technology in Ghana, particularly the linear accelerator, commonly known as LINAC.

Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple said the situation should prompt deeper reflection on the country’s healthcare infrastructure and capacity.

He argued that improving healthcare cannot be limited to constructing buildings, stressing the importance of trained professionals, modern equipment, research capacity, effective management and partnerships with institutions possessing the necessary expertise and technology.

“I have indicated my willingness to support further discussions around the research-centre idea,” he told the gathering.

He said relevant institutions, Corporate Ghana and international partners could potentially be brought into discussions surrounding the initiative.

However, he emphasised that the proposal would require proper consultation, planning and resources before implementation.

The Council of State Member used the issue to make a broader argument for stronger collaboration between Ghanaian institutions and the diaspora.

He said universities and research institutions in Ghana should work more closely with their counterparts in North America to strengthen research, training and institutional capacity.

Mr. Kwamigah-Atokple identified the University of Health and Allied Sciences in Ho as an important foundation for health education and research in the Volta Region.

He said the region’s development opportunities in healthcare, education, agriculture, tourism and technology must be connected to the capital, expertise, technology and international markets required to expand them.

The proposed cancer research centre therefore forms part of a broader call for the Ewe diaspora to move from charitable interventions towards sustainable institutional partnerships that can deliver long-term benefits to communities.