Women's International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA) Ghana, has extended a helping hand to the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana at the Korlebu Teaching Hospital in Accra.

The donation on Saturday, January 13, 2024, included a cheque of GHS 10,000, a cash amount of GHS500 children's clothing, shoes and toys.

Lifeline for Childhood Cancer in Ghana (LCCG) is a non-profit organization dedicated to making childhood cancer control a national health priority, by raising money for the treatment and care of children affected by cancer in Ghana.

The President of WISTA Ghana, Gertrude Adwoa Ohene-Asienim, said a significant proportion of children with cancer are diagnosed late due to delays in referrals, proper diagnosis and treatment.

According to her, although timely referrals lead to a better outcome, many are unaware.

“I say this because I was ignorant myself until getting to the latter part of 2023 when I met Akua Sarpong at GBC premises coincidentally. We all know what the pink ribbon stands for and the month of October and do see various organisations marking it as such.

Do you know what the gold ribbon stands for and what do you do in September? It stands for Childhood cancer which takes the lives of children and unfortunately, it goes unnoticed by the world.”

She said dealing with the problem begins with awareness and WISTA Ghana would want to be part of this awareness creation hence its bold step to help alleviate the plight of many battling with this cancer.

“We are here to support them not just with the token we are presenting but also with our prayers for the emotional and psychological healing of these children and their parents. As Peter and John will say, silver and gold we have none but we give you what we have – Jesus, our healer, peace and source of strength.

She noted the group shares in the pain of parents who have struggled to take care of children with cancer.

“We understand that 8 out of 10 children with childhood cancer in high-income countries do survive. Unfortunately, the statistics of survival in low-income countries are disheartening, which means we can all join forces together to fight it “she noted.

WISTA Ghana is also concerned about the impact of childhood cancers on the well-being of women and called for the need to empower women to survive no matter the circumstances they find themselves and to be each other’s burden bearer.

The WISTA Ghana President commended Akua Sarpong, the Executive Director of Lifeline for Childhood Cancer and her team for taking up such a humanitarian cause.

Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana (LCCG) was formed to support many children battling cancer.

Their support includes payment of treatment - diagnosis, payment for chemotherapy, surgeries, nutritional and educational support, transport fares, psychological support for families of the patient, skills development and advocacy and creating awareness to the general public.

Lifeline is the only foundation that provides comprehensive care for kids with cancer and the foundation partner of the Korle bu Teaching Hospital.

They have treated and supported many children and their families. The foundation believes that every child with cancer in Ghana deserves access to quality treatment and a chance to live their best life.

One of the fundamental principles WISTA Ghana believes in is making a social impact. WISTA Ghana engages in various community and social initiatives, giving members an opportunity to contribute to meaningful causes and make a positive impact on society.

WiSTA Ghana pledged further support to the Foundation and the centre at Korlebu, adding that it will declare the month of September 2024 a childhood Cancer awareness month for the world to hear about the centre and its activities in marking the celebration of WISTA International's 50 years of existence.

More about WISTA

The Women’s International Shipping & Trading Association (WISTA International), formed in 1974, is a global organisation connecting female executives and decision-makers around the world. WISTA International serves as a connector for its network of more than 4000 female professionals from all sectors of the maritime industry.

More than 56 countries support a National WISTA Association (NWA), each of which in turn is a member of and is guided by WISTA International. NWAs provide in-country and regional networking, business and skill-building opportunities, and corporate visibility, and also facilitate relationships within the industry.

WISTA Ghana was established in June 2009 with the sole aim of promoting the development of women in the maritime industry.

On a global scale, WISTA members have access to an incredibly diverse network of executives in the shipping and trading field on whom they can call for referrals, connections, and advice or business collaborations.