The Council of Ewe Associations of North America (CEANA) has announced plans to advance the establishment of a modern Cancer Research and Treatment Centre in Ho in partnership with the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS).
The initiative formed part of commitments adopted at the 33rd Annual CEANA Convention held in Bethesda, Maryland, from September 3 to 7, 2026, under the theme “Preserving Culture, Inspiring Generations.”
According to the official communiqué issued by the CEANA Secretariat, the proposed centre is intended to address challenges associated with access to specialised cancer care in Eweland, covering communities in Ghana, Togo and Benin.
“CEANA will pursue the next phases of this project with urgency,” the communiqué stated.
It said the next stages would include structural design, medical partnerships, financing and regulatory processes.
“Every milestone achieved will be communicated to the community, for this project is a covenant of healing,” CEANA said.
Healthcare workforce partnership
CEANA also announced a new partnership with the Bank of Ghana Hospital aimed at facilitating the exchange and deployment of skilled healthcare professionals.
The communiqué said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between CEANA and the Bank of Ghana Hospital on September 7, 2026, as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery in Eweland.
Under the partnership, CEANA said diaspora doctors, nurses, specialists and technicians would be mobilised to support healthcare delivery.
“CEANA and the Bank of Ghana Hospital will immediately begin outlining the operational framework,” the organisation stated.
It added that further updates would be provided as implementation of the partnership progresses.
Diaspora investment
The convention also placed emphasis on using the economic and professional resources of the Ewe diaspora to support development in Eweland.
Through a series of business forums, delegates examined opportunities for productive investment, professional exchanges and cross-border collaboration.
CEANA said it was moving beyond discussions towards building partnerships that could translate diaspora expertise and resources into economic opportunities.
“CEANA is shifting from conversation to action,” the communiqué stated.
The organisation said it would work towards creating ecosystems that enable Ewe professionals to thrive internationally while contributing to development in their homelands.
Strengthening accountability
Governance and accountability also featured prominently at the convention, with members engaging in discussions on CEANA’s governance structures, project impact and long-term strategy.
The organisation committed to strengthening its accountability mechanisms, including assigning clear responsibility for projects and financial decisions.
“Every project and financial decision will have a clearly assigned owner,” CEANA said.
It also committed to institutionalising transparent communication and regular reporting, describing leadership of the organisation as a “sacred trust.”
Focus on cultural preservation
The convention also reaffirmed CEANA’s commitment to preserving Ewe culture and identity.
Cultural activities during the convention included a Masquerade and Cultural Night, Kente Ball, Thanksgiving service and community picnic.
CEANA said future conventions would continue to focus on language preservation, cultural education and artistic expression.
“Culture is the soul of a people,” the organisation said, adding that it would work to safeguard and elevate the Ewe cultural legacy for future generations.
Youth empowerment
Youth participation was another major component of the convention, with CEANA Noviwo organising a parallel programme featuring a career panel, cookout, field day, diaspora brunch and discussions on identity under the theme “Ewe by Day, American by Night.”
The communiqué said young Ewe leaders also played significant roles in planning and executing the convention.
CEANA committed to expanding mentorship, leadership participation and cultural education opportunities for young people.
“Our young people will be empowered to carry the torch of Ewe identity into the future,” the organisation stated.
Looking ahead
The convention brought together members of the Ewe diaspora in North America for discussions on cultural preservation, healthcare, development, investment and youth empowerment.
CEANA expressed appreciation to the Ewe Association of Washington, DC Metro Inc., which hosted the convention, as well as volunteers, speakers, traditional leaders, artists, sponsors, partners and attendees.
The organisation said the commitments reached in Bethesda were intended to serve as concrete actions rather than symbolic declarations.
“As we depart Maryland, we look toward Boston 2027 with renewed unity, compassion, and determination,” the communiqué stated.
The next CEANA convention is scheduled to take place in Boston in 2027.
This version keeps the claims attributed to CEANA and avoids adding details that are not contained in the communiqué.
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