The Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence (OOTII CCCoE) is set to host a major fundraising gala in the United States to mobilise support for the construction of a new world-class cancer treatment and research facility in Ghana.

The fundraising event, dubbed “An Evening for Cure,” will take place on Friday, September 4, 2026, at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland, and will be attended by His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the Asantehene and Patron of the OOTII CCCoE.

Organisers say the gala is more than a ceremonial gathering. It is intended as a call to action to Ghanaians in the diaspora, philanthropists, health advocates, corporate organisations and friends of Ghana around the world to support a project they believe could transform cancer care in Ghana and the wider West African region.

The event will bring together key figures behind the initiative, including Nana Prof. Oheneba Boachie-Adjei Woahene II, Otumfuo Hiahene and Board Chairman of the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Foundation.

Also expected to participate are Dr (Mrs) Beatrice Wiafe Addai, Founding Director of the OOTII CCCoE, President and Founder of Breast Care International and Chief Executive Officer of Peace and Love Hospitals, and Bishop Dr Evans Glover, Chairman of the OOTII CCCoE Board of Directors and the BCI America Board.

A comprehensive cancer centre for Ghana

The proposed Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Centre of Excellence is being developed at Kwaso, near Kumasi in the Ashanti Region.

The project is designed as a stand-alone facility that will provide a wide range of cancer services under one roof, covering the entire continuum of cancer care.

According to the project team, the centre will offer services including cancer prevention, screening and diagnosis, treatment, research, innovation, education and training.

It will also provide supportive and palliative care, rehabilitation and survivorship programmes.

The full development is estimated to cost $100 million and will be implemented in phases.

Phase One is projected to cost $10 million and will include clinical services, a radiotherapy suite, a research wing, an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub, an education centre and community outreach programmes.

The project team says the centre is intended not only to provide treatment but also to strengthen cancer research, improve early detection and train the next generation of cancer specialists in Ghana.

Rising cancer burden

The fundraising campaign comes as Ghana continues to face a significant cancer burden.

Figures from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) show that an estimated 27,385 new cancer cases and 17,944 cancer deaths occurred in Ghana in 2022.

Health advocates say the situation is compounded by delayed diagnosis, limited treatment options and the high cost of cancer care.

Many families also face the emotional and financial strain of travelling long distances or seeking treatment away from home.

The proposed centre is intended to help address these challenges by expanding access to quality cancer care, advancing research and increasing the country's capacity to train specialised health professionals.

Otumfuo's leadership

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II has, since ascending the Golden Stool on April 26, 1999, championed initiatives in health, education and socioeconomic development.

As Patron of the OOTII CCCoE, the Asantehene is lending his leadership to the cancer centre project, which organisers say is aimed at bringing hope to thousands of cancer patients and their families.

Organisers are encouraging Ghanaians in the United States and other parts of the world to attend the gala, meet the Asantehene and support what they describe as a historic health intervention for Ghana.

They are also calling on individuals and organisations that cannot attend the event in person to support the project through donations and partnerships.

“Every contribution, whether large or small, brings the Centre one step closer to opening its doors,” the organisers said.

The project team believes the strength of the Ghanaian diaspora, together with international friends and partners, can help make the centre a reality.

According to the organisers, the facility will help save lives, promote early detection, support research and provide dignity and hope to cancer patients.

The fundraising gala, “An Evening for Cure,” is scheduled for Friday, September 4, at 3:00pm Eastern Time.

It will be held at Martin’s Crosswinds, 7400 Greenway Center Drive, Greenbelt, Maryland 20770, USA.

Those seeking further information or wishing to support the initiative can contact the organisers via cccoegh@gmail.com or by phone on +1 (240) 899-6195, +233 241 918 187 or +233 244 842 555.