Ecobank supports Leukaemia Foundation

Ecobank Ghana has presented a cheque for GH¢50,000 to support the Leukaemia Project Foundation (LPF).

The donation, which formed part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme of the bank, was to support the construction of a comprehensive Haematology and Sickle Cell Centre at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

Making the donation at a ceremony in Accra yesterday, the Executive Director in charge of the Legal and Human Resource Department of Ecobank, Mr Morgan Fianko Asiedu, said the company had seen the efforts made by the LPF in its fight against leukaemia in the country.

“In times past, cancer was a disease that was associated with old age and people of a certain lifestyle. The same cannot be said today, as cancer is gradually becoming a household name, afflicting people of all ages and social standings,” he said.

He said since a key success factor in the treatment of cancer was early detection, there was the need for Ecobank to support the LPF, “which is doing a yeoman’s job in these areas”.

According to Mr Aseidu, since its establishment 23 years ago in Ghana, Ecobank had devoted some of its resources to support institutions and also contribute to the development of the economy.

The Treasurer of the LPF, Dr Yvonne Dei Adomako, who received the cheque,  thanked the bank and called for more support to enable the foundation to establish the centre.

She said the objective of the foundation in constructing the Haematology and Sickle Centre was to offer quality diagnosis and treatment to patients in Ghana and West Africa.

“It will also help us reduce the mortality associated with hematological malignancies and improve healthcare delivery for leukemia patients in Ghana, the West African sub-region and beyond,” Dr Adomako said.

She said the construction of the centre would begin in the first quarter of 2014 and was expected to be completed within five years, adding, “We need about $22 million to complete the project.”