President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a modern Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan facility at the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre in Accra, describing the development as a major breakthrough in Ghana’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve access to advanced medical diagnostics.
The newly inaugurated facility, equipped with PET-CT scan technology, is expected to enhance the detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other life-threatening diseases in the country, reducing the need for patients to travel abroad for specialized medical care.
Addressing guests at the commissioning ceremony, President Mahama said the introduction of the advanced diagnostic centre represents a significant step in Ghana’s healthcare transformation agenda and reflects the country’s commitment to innovation and scientific progress.
According to him, the establishment of the facility signals a new phase in the nation’s healthcare system, where cutting-edge technology will play a central role in improving patient outcomes and saving lives.
He explained that unlike conventional imaging equipment that mainly shows the physical structure of the body, PET scan technology goes beyond that by enabling medical professionals to study the body’s functions at the cellular and metabolic levels.
President Mahama noted that the advanced imaging system would allow doctors to identify diseases much earlier, making treatment more effective and increasing patients’ chances of recovery.
He stressed that many Ghanaians battling cancer and other serious illnesses have over the years been forced to seek advanced diagnostic services outside the country, often spending huge sums of money while enduring emotional and psychological strain.
The President said the commissioning of the facility would help ease that burden on patients and their families while also positioning Ghana as an emerging medical destination within the West African sub-region.
He further announced that the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre would be registered under the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as MahamaCares, to support cancer patients who require treatment at the facility.
According to him, the inclusion of the centre under the MahamaCares initiative would help improve access to oncology services and provide financial relief to patients undergoing cancer treatment.
President Mahama also praised the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) for investing in healthcare infrastructure, describing the initiative as a demonstration of the association’s commitment to the welfare of both teachers and the general public.
He urged stakeholders in both the public and private sectors to continue investing in modern healthcare systems to ensure quality and affordable medical services for Ghanaians.
Health professionals and invited guests at the event welcomed the introduction of the PET Scan facility, expressing optimism that it would strengthen Ghana’s capacity in cancer management, medical research and specialist healthcare delivery.
