At Greater Accra Regional Hospital, the Paediatric Oncology Unit is grappling with a surge in child cancer cases, with patient numbers jumping from about 10 to more than 40 annually over the past six years. Despite the increase, the unit has not expanded its capacity, still operating from the original four beds it began with in 2020.
Dr Nihad Salifu, Head of Paediatric Oncology and Director of Cure Childhood Cancer Ghana, highlighted the strain during the annual Cure Childhood Cancer Ghana awareness event. She noted that while the Ghana Medical Trust Fund now covers five childhood cancers, many children with other types of cancer still lack adequate care.
“Here at Ridge Hospital, we started the unit with just four beds. In six years down the line, we still have only four beds. When our patient numbers have increased from an initial 10 a year, we are now seeing over 40 children a year,” she said.
Due to the lack of space, some children are receiving treatment in a playroom, a setting that is not designed for medical care. Dr Salifu stressed the need for a dedicated, safe environment and is seeking funds to refurbish a space allocated by the hospital for this purpose.
She also highlighted the Go Yellow campaign, which raises money for treatment, diagnosis, and psychosocial support, and emphasized the importance of transport assistance for families traveling long distances to receive care.
Medical Director Dr Leslie Issa Adam‑Zakariah called for broader coverage of childhood cancers under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund to ease financial burdens on families. Cure Childhood Cancer Ghana’s Programme Manager Salma Suhuyini Fuseini added that the organisation’s goal is to give children battling cancer a fighting chance.
With the unit’s capacity still limited, the call for expansion and funding remains urgent as the number of children requiring treatment continues to climb.
