Asantehene Hails Breast Care International President, Pledges Support for New Cancer Centre

The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Cancer Centre of Excellence, a transformative health project under development in the Ashanti Region, has been praised by stakeholders as a future beacon of equity, innovation, and excellence in cancer care across Africa.

At a courtesy visit to the Manhyia Palace on May 30, 2025, development partners led by renowned breast cancer advocate Dr. Beatrice Wiafe presented a comprehensive report on the project’s progress and challenges to the King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II.

A Vision for Equity and Innovation

Prof. Stephen Avery, a key development partner and a member of the project’s Advisory Committee, highlighted that the centre is designed to deliver world-class cancer care to all patients, irrespective of their socio-economic background.

“It will be dedicated to equity so that no matter who you are as a patient, you are guaranteed that you get world-class cancer care,” he stated.

Prof. Avery described the facility as more than a hospital—an advanced centre of excellence that will incorporate Artificial Intelligence for diagnostics and Virtual Reality for training.

He revealed plans for partnerships with international institutions including Harvard, the University of Pennsylvania, and Johns Hopkins, and a global university collaboration with Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) to build capacity in cancer care, education, and research.

“This will be a centre none has ever seen before… rooted in excellence, cultural identity, and powered by the most sophisticated technology and innovative research,” he added.

Strategic Royal Partnership and Local Commitment

Sidi Mohamed Sayah, a Radiation Medical Physicist and the contractor on the project, emphasized the power of royal partnerships in transforming health systems, referencing Morocco’s increase from two to 44 cancer centres following its monarch’s involvement.

“We are here asking His Majesty to honour us with his help to make things happen,” he said.

Former Ghana Medical Association President, Dr. Opoku Adusei, endorsed the project, calling it vital to address the Ashanti Region’s “poorest” health infrastructure. “When Wiafe approached me about the project after my retirement, I readily accepted to be part,” he said, appealing to Otumfuo to use his influence to fast-track the project.

Prof. Christian Agyare, Provost of the College of Health Sciences at KNUST, affirmed the university’s commitment, stating, “The fact that it bears Otumfuo’s name made it imperative that we accepted to join and give our utmost support.”

Royal Endorsement and Praise for Dr. Wiafe

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II expressed deep appreciation to all stakeholders for supporting Dr. Wiafe’s vision and lauded her resilience and contributions to women’s health through her Peace and Love Hospital.

“She is a very resilient lady and she is very determined to be able to achieve this. She has used Peace and Love Hospital to advance women’s advocacy. It’s something I respect her for… she is the jewel in the crown,” the King declared.

While humbled by the naming of the centre after him, the Asantehene stressed the need to ensure its full realization. “Naming it after me is an honour, but I need that after it has been completed,” he said.

He pledged his full support, including potential outreach to fellow monarchs such as King Mohammed VI of Morocco to explore funding opportunities. “The government alone cannot do it. I am pledging my support in any way possible. Healthcare will inure to the benefit of the entire country.”

The Delegation

Dr. Beatrice Wiafe led the delegation, which included Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II (Otumfuo Hiahene), Prof. Stephen Avery, Dr. Opoku Adusei, Prof. Christian Agyare, Sidi Mohamed Sayah, and other traditional leaders.

Their visit aimed to update the Asantehene on the progress of the cancer centre and seek his royal intervention to accelerate its implementation.