How It All Began
Ghana, West Africa, a former British Colony, is a country with a population of 20 million people, birthed a dreamer in a northern Ghanaian community in the 1960's. From here, the story unfolds.
Early Beginnings . . .
In the early 1990’s, Buenor O. David Puplampu, the first certified Ghanaian Neurosurgeon, recognized an urgent need to obtain outside assistance for a grossly inadequate neurological service at Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital (KBTH). In 1991, he secured a visit to his unit by the Federation for International Education in Neurological Surgery (FIENS), represented by Dr. Ed Laws [U.S.] and Dr. David Fairholm [Can]. This visit initiated the sponsorship of Dr. Thomas Dakurah by WHO (World Health Organization), FIENS, and the Ministry of Health of Ghana to train for one year in the Division of Neurosurgery, Vancouver General Hospital, and University of British Columbia, Canada in 1998.
Thomas, as he became known, proved to be an exemplary ambassador for his country. His unwavering commitment to excellence, along with his energy and love for his country and desire to make a difference were inspiring.
The Birth of the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Project
As a result of Dr. Dakurah’s heart wrenching description of his country’s needs, he, Ms. Marjorie Ratel, (a Canadian neuroscience RN with 25 years experience), and other nurses founded the Neuroscience Project. Dr. Herbert Allsopp, the Honorary Consul General for Ghana in B.C. at that time, lent his valuable support and other individuals committed to developing a program of assistance, joined the team. Thus, the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Project was born.
An International Sisterhood Relationship Is Established and Nurtured
A sister hospital agreement between the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital and Vancouver Hospital and Health Sciences, Canada, was formally signed by Mr. Oliver Lawluvi, High Commissioner for Ghana, Dr. Herbert Allsopp, Dr. David Fairholm on behalf of the Division of Neurosurgery, and Mr. Phil Hassen, CEO, Vancouver Hospital, on November 26, 2001.
In April 2002, Marjorie Ratel and David Hiebert, an Executive Committee Member, traveled to Ghana to assess the medical and surgical needs of the national neuroscience service as well as build a relationship with Ghana health care professionals and Government.
With the support of the Canadian High Commission and the Ghana Ministry of Health, the formal launching of the Project in Ghana and our vision of what could be done together was grasped and strengthened. The discovery that patients receiving care included citizens of neighbouring West African nations immediately broadened the horizon of the impact this project could and would have.
The Most Rev. Samuel Asante Antwi energetically joining the team as Chairperson of the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Board Ghana along with the passionate commitment of Rev. Prof. Seth Ayettey, Provost of the University of Ghana’s College of Health Sciences, ensured the unabated progress of the Project in Ghana. Sharing the vision, experts from building, education, and medicine joined ranks with their Canadian counterparts to make this mission a reality.
Dr. Felix Durity, Professor Emeritus, Division of Neurosurgery, University of British Columbia School of Medicine and Neurosurgeon at Children’s Hospital in Vancouver, B.C.(Canada) travelled to Ghana in the fall of 2002 and conducted a formal needs assessment, while providing surgical expertise and mentorship. His heart was touched as he examined many precious Ghanaians whose neurosurgical afflictions had led to physical devastation and premature demise. In fact, most could have received curative care in an appropriate facility and returned to a full quality life in their communities. He returned home passionate with the vision of developing a tertiary centre of excellence in neuroscience for Ghana and West Africa.
Early Benefits
As the Committee grew to include health care professionals and community supporters from all walks of life, an opportunity to ship health care supplies and equipment to Ghana materialized. Subsequently, seven container shipments totaling an estimated $2.5 million in equipment was shipped from North America and received in Accra, Ghana. Three hundred beds and specialty stretchers, ventilators, anaesthesia monitors, operating room equipment, broad-spectrum medical and nursing supplies, as well as unit furnishings have found their home at Korle-Bu Hospital.
The Progress Continues
Continued development of the Project necessitated the formation of various volunteer committees on both sides of the ocean. Building experts prepared an estimate on the capital costs of a freestanding Neuroscience Centre (hospital). It is determined that the current estimates for construction as well as comprehensive equipment required for the provision of high quality neuroscience care would be $63.6 million (Canadian).
Our Canadian and Ghanaian teams are tackling the funding for this exciting project in several ways. First, we are asking concerned friends in North America to contribute finances and expertise. Secondly, we are also pursuing interested Foundations, Associations and Corporations worldwide. As well we are pleased to have the full support of the Ghana government and their commitment towards a quarter of the capital costs. In conjunction with the KBTH, 3.5 acres of land has been donated. An expert in hospital design, site preparation and construction has already developed work of progress reports with timelines.
Leaving a Legacy/Making a Difference
Educationally, the University of Ghana is a strong partner in this Project. Our Project team members, on both sides of the Atlantic, are passionately committed to making a difference in the lives of the West African people.
Professors Durity (Canada) and Eddie Yeboah’s (Ghana) leadership as chairs of the education and human resources committees has already outlined the educational and human resource initiatives needed. Already, growing rosters of international medical and paramedical personnel are volunteering to support our efforts.
The resources, both monetary and human, required for developing and sustaining this Centre are tremendous. We are continually inviting individuals, families, friends, and Associations to consider embracing this tremendous opportunity in making a difference in the world.
The initial seed funding for this project is being recognized by a Founder’s Wall in the lobby of the Centre. For each $1,000 donated, a decorative brick will be inscribed with a name or names of their choice, enabling our building team to initiate the functional and feasibility studies, followed by the design phase. A professionally designed Wall of Honour is also being developed to recognize future significant monetary contributions.
Today, some Ghanaians, but far too few, are enjoying quality lives, with restored vision and health, because of the efforts of the Project thus far.
On behalf of the Korle-Bu Neuroscience Project Committee – Canada and Ghana:
Marjorie Ratel RN BSN
Neuroscience, Vancouver General Hospital
Chairperson
Korle-Bu Neuroscience Project
President, Founding Director,
Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation B.C. (non-profit)
Founding Director Korle-Bu Foundation Canada (public)
marjratel@hotmail.com
Felix Durity MD FRCSC OBC
Professor Emeritus (Neurosurgery, UBC)
Education Chairperson
Korle-Bu Neuroscience Project, Canada
Vice-President, Founding Director,
Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation, B.C.
fdurity@telus.net
Kwadwo Ohene Asante, MSM LLD (Hon), BSc, MD FRCPC
Honorary Doctor of Laws, Northern University of B.C.
Clinical Professor Emeritus, Pediatrics, UBC
Founding Director
Korle-Bu Neuroscience Foundation B.C.
Executive and Education Committee Member
drkojoasante@hotmail.com
Seth Ayettey, MD, PhD. (Anatomy)
Prof of Anatomy, University of Ghana
Past Provost, University of Ghana, College of Health Sciences
National Director Prison Ministry of Ghana
Vice-Chair International Board World Vision
Executive Committee Member
Korle-Bu Neuroscience Project, Ghana
ayettey@africaonline.com.gh