The Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) has raised alarm over the increasing incidence of cancer among teachers. The association is now seeking to raise GH¢17.2 million annually to support treatment costs for its members.
During the launch of the GNAT Cancer Foundation, General Secretary Thomas Tanko Musah highlighted the surge in cancer cases among educators. The cancers affecting teachers include breast, prostate, leukemia, lung, liver, and colorectal cancers. Musah attributed this alarming trend to the poor working conditions and environments in many Ghanaian schools, which have inflicted significant emotional and financial stress on teachers.
“Health is fundamental to all human endeavors. To boost teachers’ productivity, their health needs must be seriously addressed,” Musah stated. With over 260,000 educators under GNAT, their well-being is crucial to the nation’s educational system.
Dr. Clement Edusa, CEO of the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre (SGMC), noted that Ghana is estimated to record around 27,000 new cancer cases annually according to the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) 2022 report. However, the lack of a centralized data archive makes it difficult to verify these figures. Dr. Edusa emphasized the importance of early detection and regular screening, as cancers are more treatable in their initial stages.
The GNAT Cancer Foundation (GCF), launched in collaboration with SGMC, aims to support the prevention, treatment, and management of cancer among GNAT members and their families. Board Chair Thomas Armstrong Asante stated that the foundation is focused on cancer prevention education, fundraising, and effective management of cancer care for teachers.
“The GCF is dedicated to ensuring stress-free cancer treatment and management for our members. Sustainable funding is essential as cancer treatment is financially burdensome. Protecting our teachers from cancer requires significant resources and investments,” Asante noted.
Dr. Edusa explained that treating a single cancer case can cost between GH¢1,000 and GH¢60,000 every three weeks, an expense many teachers cannot afford on their salaries. Through a self-help initiative, GNAT members will contribute GH¢5 monthly, though this alone will not suffice.
GNAT is appealing to corporate Ghana and philanthropic organizations for additional support to meet the GH¢17.2 million annual target. Contributions can be made directly to the foundation’s bank accounts or through other donation channels. “Your support will directly impact cancer prevention, treatment, and management for our members,” Asante urged.
Ghana National Association of Teachers, GNAT Cancer Foundation, cancer among teachers, GH¢17.2 million fundraising, cancer treatment Ghana, teacher health concerns, cancer prevention education, Ghana education sector, Sweden Ghana Medical Centre, early cancer detection, cancer treatment costs, corporate support for health, philanthropic donations Ghana, GNAT self-help initiative, teacher welfare Ghana, cancer management Ghana, Ghana cancer statistics, health challenges in schools, GNAT fundraising efforts, cancer awareness Ghana