Africa World Airlines (AWA) has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting cancer patients who struggle with the high costs of treatment.
This week, the airline donated GH¢62,000 to the Cancer Unit at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH), following the death of a colleague from breast cancer earlier this year.
Speaking to Channel One News, Joslyn Andoh, the Brand and Corporate Communications Manager for AWA, expressed the airline’s dedication to helping those in need.
“Last year, we had a colleague who had been diagnosed with breast cancer, and it’s something that became very dear to us. We came here last year to make a generous donation as well, an effort on the part of both our staff and our passengers, aimed at supporting patients who could not afford breast cancer treatment,” she said.
Andoh added that the tragic loss of their colleague in January strengthened their resolve to continue supporting the unit.
“We made a promise that we’d come back this year with an even more generous donation in her memory, as well as to support everyone else who is going through this very difficult ordeal. We feel that even the smallest contribution can make a difference. When we see someone close to us struggle with such a serious illness, unable to afford the care they need, it’s heartbreaking. So, we want to make sure fewer families have to go through this.”
Maurice Dordunoo, a surgeon at the Cancer Unit of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, discussed the state of healthcare accessibility in Ghana and the disparity in healthcare options available to public figures compared to ordinary citizens.
“Healthcare is only sought in Ghana by those without other options—politicians, heads of departments, and other prominent figures often travel abroad for care,” Dordunoo stated. 
“If we had a situation where the president or senior officials sought treatment at Korle Bu, they would ensure this environment was befitting of their stature.”
He went on to emphasise the importance of improving local healthcare services for all.
“Most of our ‘big men and women’ leave the country for healthcare, leaving the rest of us behind. But one day, when they are retired and no longer have the same resources, they’ll need the support of Ghana’s healthcare system. By that time, we can only hope the system will be ready to serve them.”
