The “An Evening for Cure” Fundraising Gala and Awards Night was held on September 4, 2026, at Martin’s Crosswinds in Greenbelt, Maryland, bringing together supporters of the planned Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence (OOTII CCCoE) in Ghana.
The event formed part of an international fundraising campaign aimed at advancing the development of the planned $100 million comprehensive cancer center in Kwaso, in Ghana’s Ashanti Region.
The campaign is engaging members of the Ghanaian diaspora, healthcare leaders, philanthropists, institutions and development partners in support of a facility designed to bring cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, research, education and supportive care together in one center.
Dr. Mrs. Beatrice Wiafe Addai, CEO of Peace and Love Hospitals, President and Founder of Breast Care International and Founding Director of the OOTII CCCoE, highlighted the vision behind the project:
“My dream is to have a place where prevention, screening, diagnosis, treatment, research, training and compassionate care come together under one roof.”
The evening also showcased elements of Ghanaian culture, with Kente designs featuring prominently among guests during the fundraising gala and awards night.
The cultural celebration accompanied the broader mission of the event: raising awareness and mobilizing support for a cancer center intended to strengthen oncology services in Ghana and across the wider region.
Building a comprehensive cancer center in Ghana
The OOTII CCCoE is envisioned as a dedicated cancer facility covering the full continuum of care, including prevention, early detection, screening, diagnostics, treatment, research, professional training, supportive and palliative care, rehabilitation and survivorship.
Plans for the facility also include research infrastructure, education programs, community outreach and an Artificial Intelligence Hub.
The project is being developed under the patronage of His Royal Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, who serves as Chief Patron of the initiative.
An Evening for Cure: Fundraising Gala to Support New Comprehensive Cancer Center in Ghana
The current fundraising campaign places particular emphasis on Phase One, estimated at $10 million. According to the Center, this phase is expected to include clinical services, a radiotherapy suite, research facilities, an Artificial Intelligence Hub, an education center, and community outreach programs. Campaign materials prepared for the September 4 fundraising dinner outline the Phase One development and opportunities for donor support.
A 52-acre site at Kwaso, near Kumasi, has been contributed toward the development of the project. The broader vision is for the Center to serve not only Ghana but patients, researchers and healthcare professionals across West Africa and the wider Sub-Saharan African region.
Addressing Ghana’s cancer burden
The initiative comes amid continuing challenges in access to timely cancer diagnosis and treatment in Ghana.
According to GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Ghana recorded approximately 27,385 new cancer cases and 17,944 cancer deaths in 2022.
The planned center aims to strengthen early detection, expand access to specialized cancer treatment, support oncology research and provide training opportunities for healthcare professionals.
Beyond treatment, the project is also intended to support multidisciplinary and patient-centered cancer care, aligning with Dr. Wiafe Addai’s vision of bringing multiple components of cancer prevention and management under one roof.
Continuing the fundraising campaign
The September 4 gala marked another step in efforts to build international support for the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Comprehensive Cancer Center of Excellence.
The project continues to seek support from individuals, institutions, philanthropists, development partners, and members of the Ghanaian diaspora as work progresses toward the establishment of the new cancer center.
