Accra, Ghana, October 28, 2026: Vice-President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has commended the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) for investing in healthcare and expanding access to cancer diagnosis and treatment through its investments in the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre.

Speaking at the press launch of the ThankYouTeacher National Raffle Campaign, she said the initiative demonstrated how prudent investment by professional associations could generate benefits beyond their immediate membership.

She particularly acknowledged the leadership and contribution of Mr Kwame Pianim, whom she credited as part of the effort to advance the work of the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre.

The Vice-President's remarks come as Ghana observes Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a period dedicated to raising awareness about the disease and the importance of early detection and access to treatment.

Cancer care must be affordable

Professor Opoku-Agyemang said a cancer diagnosis could place significant emotional and financial pressure on patients and their families, making affordability and access to specialist services critical to healthcare delivery.

She welcomed the collaboration between the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre and the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, as part of efforts to improve access to cancer care.

She also emphasised the need to expand specialist healthcare services beyond Accra to ensure that patients outside the capital could access appropriate treatment.

“Healthcare is about people, and compassion, continuity of care, and affordability matter as much as the infrastructure and technology we invest in,” she said.

Her comments highlight the importance of addressing not only the availability of medical facilities and equipment but also the financial and geographical barriers that can prevent patients from receiving timely treatment.

GNAT's contribution to national development*

The Vice-President acknowledged that the government bears primary responsibility for healthcare delivery but said organisations such as GNAT could complement national efforts by mobilising resources for the wider public good.

She said the association's investments illustrated how institutions could use their resources to support services that benefit people beyond their own membership.

Professor Opoku-Agyemang also praised the teaching profession, describing its contribution as fundamental to the development of every other profession.

The ThankYouTeacher National Raffle Campaign seeks to recognise teachers' contributions to national development while drawing attention to GNAT's investments and their wider social benefits.

The initiative places healthcare investment alongside the recognition of teachers, whose work helps shape the country's human capital and future workforce.