The Telecel Group has handed over advanced cervical cancer diagnostic equipment and pledged free screening for women at three major hospitals across Ghana: Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Tamale Teaching Hospital, and Sefwi Wiawso Government Hospital.
The donation includes state-of-the-art digital colposcopes, HPV testing kits, and biopsy instruments. The initiative aims to screen at least 5,000 women within its first year and extend services to underserved areas via mobile clinics and telemedicine through the Telecel Ghana Foundation.
Commitment to Women’s Health
Speaking at the ceremony, CEO of Telecel Group, Mr. Moh Damush, emphasized the company’s commitment:
“We are proud to see this project come to life to strengthen Ghana’s ability to detect and prevent cervical cancer, which is one of the most devastating diseases affecting women. We will continue to invest in the lives and potential of people, particularly women, who are the social and economic pillars of every African community.”
The initiative, executed in partnership with the Ghana Medical Trust Fund (Mahama Cares) and the Ministry of Health, marks the first major health project under the newly established Trust Fund. It represents a major leap in Ghana’s efforts to combat late-stage cervical cancer detection.
Expected Impact
The Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah-Akandoh, praised the life-saving partnership:
“The installed cervical cancer equipment here at Korle-Bu, Sefwi Wiawso and Tamale hospitals will give women a fighting chance at early detection. It means fewer late diagnosis and fewer painful losses. We expect at least 2,000 undiagnosed cases of cervical cancer to be detected each year and more than 10,000 women to benefit directly from screening and early intervention in two years.”
Telecel also organized the training of healthcare professionals in the beneficiary hospitals on the usage and maintenance of the equipment to ensure sustainability.
Urgent Need for Screening
CEO of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, urged all women to utilize the services: “This is a deliberate investment in health infrastructure for the reduction in late diagnosis of the disease. I would like to urge every woman in Ghana between the ages of 21 to 65 years to go for cervical cancer screening at least every 3 years to detect if there are any risks. Early detection, we are told, can save our lives.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cervical cancer is the second most common cancer affecting Ghanaian women. Tragically, fewer than 10% of women undergo screening, leading to over 3,000 diagnoses and nearly 2,000 deaths annually. Sustained investment in screening, vaccination, and awareness is critical for Ghana to meet WHO’s global targets.
Obuobia Darko-Opoku, Administrator of the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, commended Telecel for fulfilling its commitment: “From Korle Bu to Tamale and Sefwi Wiawso, the installations have begun turning promises into purpose, and compassion into care. Today, we celebrate not just a partnership, but a demonstration of integrity and shared responsibility.”
source: AmeyawDebrah
