President Mahama unveils PET scan facility at Swedish Ghana Medical Centre

President John Dramani Mahama has commissioned a new Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scan facility at the Swedish Ghana Medical Centre in Accra, describing the development as a significant step toward achieving world-class healthcare delivery and strengthening Ghana’s medical independence.

The modern diagnostic facility is expected to significantly improve early detection of cancer and other critical diseases, enhance treatment outcomes, and reduce the number of patients who travel abroad for advanced medical imaging services. Health experts say PET scan technology plays a vital role in identifying cancer stages accurately, thereby improving the effectiveness of treatment plans.

President Mahama noted that the establishment of the facility also positions Ghana as an emerging medical hub within the West African sub-region, capable of offering advanced diagnostic services to neighbouring countries.

He commended the management of the Swedish Ghana Medical Centre and the Ghana National Association of Teachers (GNAT) for what he described as a visionary partnership and investment in national development.

The President emphasized that strengthening healthcare infrastructure remains a central priority of his administration, particularly in the areas of cancer diagnosis, specialist care and medical accessibility.

Beyond the commissioning of the PET scan facility, President Mahama also outlined a series of planned interventions aimed at improving key sectors of the economy, including healthcare, education and housing.

Among the announced initiatives are the construction of new regional hospitals across the country, the establishment of additional CAT scan laboratories, and expanded teacher accommodation projects designed to improve welfare and working conditions for educators.

He also highlighted the $300 million STARR-J initiative, which is expected to support efforts to eliminate Ghana’s double-track system in senior high schools by 2027, a reform aimed at improving access, academic consistency and overall quality of secondary education.

According to the President, these interventions form part of a broader national development agenda that prioritizes human capital development through improved healthcare delivery, enhanced educational infrastructure and better living conditions for public sector workers.

Education stakeholders have long called for sustained investment in infrastructure and teaching resources to address overcrowding and operational challenges within the double-track system, which was introduced to accommodate increased student enrollment.

President Mahama reiterated that quality healthcare, teacher welfare and education remain key pillars of Ghana’s long-term development strategy, adding that progress in these sectors is essential for building a healthier, more educated and productive population.

He expressed optimism that ongoing investments in medical technology and education reforms will significantly improve national development outcomes and reduce inequality in access to essential public services.

The inauguration of the PET scan facility marks another milestone in Ghana’s healthcare modernization drive, with expectations that similar investments will continue to expand access to advanced medical services across the country.