Ghacem Ltd., as part of its corporate social responsibility, the ‘Ghacem Cement Foundation (GCF)’, has handed over 3,000 bags estimated at Gh¢ 250,000 through the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana to the Oncology Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital to support the construction of a new ward for children battling with cancer.
Additionally, Ghacem has pledged a commitment to provide all the cement needed for the completion of the entire project.
The children’s cancer ward at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital is a 24-bed ward with a daycare unit for children undergoing chemotherapy. According to officials at the ward, the place is often full, and many children await admission at the emergency room. The new building project is estimated to admit between 250–300 patients annually, which will serve as a boost in providing quality healthcare for the kids as the infection rate will be reduced.
Prof. Lorna Renner, leading the Pediatric Oncology Unit, expressed gratitude during a media briefing, acknowledging Ghacem’s noble and heartfelt gesture as a compassionate act that brings solace to the unit.
“We are overwhelmed by the fact that they are going to be with us throughout the completion of the entire project. This will allow us to improve the outcome of the disease. Childhood cancer is curable when detected early, and as such, any effort to improve care is important. We used to record about 150 cases every year, and it has now doubled to about 250-300, so we needed this expansion project urgently. On behalf of the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana and the Oncology Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, we are grateful to Ghacem Ltd. for this kind donation.”
Prof. Lorna Renner
Professor Renner urgently appealed to the Government to incorporate childhood cancers into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) to enhance and broaden access to care for the ailment.
Colorful Ceremony In Fight Against Cancer
A vibrant ceremony unfolded as the Ghacem Cement Foundation Secretariat, headed by Chairman Ahunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI, alongside Mr. Gideon Atta, Ghacem’s Financial Director, and Mr. Frank Antwi Agyapong, Ghacem’s Lead in Marketing & PR and Head of the GCF Secretariat, visited the Korle Bu Oncology Unit. During the visit, they toured the facility and handed over the initial batch of the 3,000 allocated bags. The atmosphere was emotionally charged as the unit’s residents serenaded the Ghacem team with a welcoming song, expressing their sincere gratitude. In return, the children presented an art frame to the company.
While delivering the cement allocation, Ahunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI emphasized that the donation signified a significant moment for Ghacem, representing a commitment that goes beyond corporate limits and underscores our collective human values.
“I’m filled with gratitude and pride as we come together for a good cause. A humble contribution to these children in their fight against cancer. This commitment goes beyond these materials, as it shows solidarity and a promise to be a beacon of hope for these young souls. So when the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer made their request through its officer Ms. Akua Sarpong, and I realized it fell under the health sector, I was relieved.”
Ahunabobrim Prah Agyensaim VI
Nana Prah praised the nurses and staff at the cancer unit for their unwavering dedication to consistently caring for and positively impacting the lives of the residents in the unit. Joining in, Mr. Gideon Atta, Ghacem’s Financial Director, underscored Ghacem’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, using its resources to bring about meaningful change in the communities. He highlighted that over the years, the Ghacem Cement Foundation has actively contributed to the construction of various health and educational projects across the country.
“This particular one is about building a sanctuary of hope for patients and their families in this journey of recovery. Together we are building a legacy of compassion and healing, and may our joint effort pave the way in the future where children with these adversities can look forward to a brighter and healthier tomorrow. Looking at the expression on your faces means this gesture has been impactful and Ghacem is glad to be the reason.”
Mr. Gideon Atta
The Ghacem Cement Foundation, he informed, was established in 2002 as part of the company’s corporate social responsibility to assist deprived communities in improving their health and educational infrastructure and has since its establishment donated about 700,000 bags estimated at GH¢53 million.
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