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Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a privilege to stand before you today as we mark another major milestone in Kumasi’s commitment to improving cancer care through the City Cancer Challenge (C/Can) initiative. This event is not just a formality—it is a reaffirmation of our collective dedication to fighting cancer and ensuring that quality healthcare is accessible to all residents of Kumasi.
The Journey So Far
Kumasi’s involvement in the City Cancer Challenge began in 2018, when we became the first African city to join this global initiative. This partnership was made possible through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in November 2017 in Mexico, involving:
- The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC)
- The Ministry of Health (MoH), Ghana
- The Ashanti Regional Coordinating Council (ARCC)
- The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA)
With this agreement, we laid the foundation for transforming cancer care in our city. Following the official launch in February 2018, the City Executive Committee (CEC) was established, with the Mayor of Kumasi as its Chairperson.
Achievements of the First Cycle (2018–2024)
Ladies and Gentlemen, over the past six years, Kumasi has made significant progress in enhancing cancer care services. Some of our key achievements include:
✔ Strengthening cancer diagnosis and treatment services
✔ Enhancing patient care coordination across health facilities
✔ Fostering partnerships with local and international stakeholders
These milestones were endorsed by the City Executive Committee (CEC) and have positioned Kumasi as a leader in cancer care improvement in Ghana and beyond.
The Second Cycle (2025–2026): Building on Success
Following the success of the first phase, we are excited to launch the second cycle of the C/Can initiative (2025–2026). This phase, which received official validation and endorsement in October 2024, will focus on:
- Expanding access to cancer diagnosis and treatment
- Improving service delivery in hospitals and medical facilities
- Strengthening multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainability.
Speaking at today’s event, Mr. Abubakari Jaliu, City Manager of C/Can Kumasi, highlighted how the initiative has transformed cancer care in the city. He emphasized that this next phase will build upon past achievements and introduce innovative strategies to improve patient care.
I would also like to acknowledge the invaluable contributions of our partners, including Breast Care International, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and HopeXchange Medical Center, who have pledged their full support for this initiative.
A United Effort Towards a Healthier Future
Ladies and Gentlemen, improving cancer care is not the responsibility of one institution alone—it requires collective effort. The C/Can Kumasi Second Cycle Programme represents a renewed commitment to ensuring that cancer patients receive timely, affordable, and high-quality care.
As we embark on this next phase, I urge all stakeholders—government agencies, healthcare providers, development partners, and the private sector—to continue working together towards our shared vision: a Kumasi where no one is left behind in the fight against cancer.
Let us seize this opportunity to make an even greater impact and leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
By Simon Opoku Afriyie
