Ghana faces critical shortage of cancer radiotherapy equipment

Reports indicate that Ghana may lack a functioning linear accelerator (LINAC) machine, the global standard for delivering precision high-energy radiation therapy to cancer patients. This equipment gap means patients requiring modern radiotherapy may be forced to travel abroad or forgo treatment.

During the 2026 Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) conference in Maryland, Council of State member Gabriel Tanko Kwamigah-Atokple highlighted the deficiency. He noted that the issue was raised by CEANA President William Edem Kumah during discussions regarding a potential partnership with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho.

In response to these infrastructure gaps, there is a proposal to establish a dedicated cancer and disease research centre at UHAS. Kwamigah-Atokple emphasized that improving Ghana’s healthcare system requires more than just constructing new buildings; it necessitates investment in advanced medical equipment, research capacity, and highly trained professionals.