The Ministry of Health is collaborating with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to establish a state-of-the-art radiotherapy and nuclear medicine centre in Tamale to enhance access to cancer diagnosis and treatment in northern Ghana.

A delegation from the IAEA, led by its Deputy Director-General, Mr. Hua Liu, paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Health, Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, to advance discussions on the proposed project and explore broader cooperation in radiotherapy and nuclear medicine under the IAEA’s technical cooperation programme.

Mr Akandoh described the initiative as a major milestone in Ghana’s healthcare delivery, noting that it would bring critical services closer to patients in the northern regions who currently travel long distances to Kumasi and Accra for treatment.

“It is heartbreaking that many cancer patients have to journey across regions or even to neighbouring countries for care. Establishing this facility in Tamale will bring hope and relief to thousands of patients,” he said.

The Minister further revealed that the Ministry is yet to receive a detailed bankable document for the project but assured that efforts are underway to mobilise the needed support for its swift implementation.

Mr. Hua Liu, on his part, lauded Ghana’s longstanding partnership with the IAEA, stating the country’s leadership in nuclear medicine education through the School of Nuclear and Allied Sciences.

He reaffirmed the Agency’s commitment to supporting Ghana in strengthening its radiotherapy infrastructure and building the technical capacity of local health professionals, describing the partnership as “a model of sustained international cooperation in medical science.”