To celebrate their 30th anniversary, Royal Ladies Ministries, the women’s arm of Royalhouse Chapel International, has extended a helping hand to children battling cancer at the Pediatric Oncology Unit of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
On Tuesday, the leadership of the group—comprising around 30 members—donated GH?100,000 to support the treatment and care of young cancer patients at the hospital.
In addition to this financial contribution, the Royal Ladies Ministries also provided an undisclosed sum directly to the mothers of the children, helping to cover their accommodation, meals, and other essentials such as diapers.
The event, dubbed the "RLD3 Childhood Cancer Project," also featured a donation of vital supplies, including beds, mattresses, medical gowns, wheelchairs, sanitizers, detergents, mugs, bottled water, and children's Bibles for distribution at the unit.
As part of the event, the group brought cooked rice, soft drinks, and mineral water to treat the children, their mothers, and hospital staff to a special party.
President General of Royal Ladies Ministries, Rev. Mrs Rita Korankye Ankrah, took the opportunity to pray for the healing and restoration of the children and their families, as well as for the staff at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital.
In presenting the items, Rev. Rita Korankye Ankrah emphasized that Royalhouse Chapel International felt a deep responsibility to support those in need, particularly children who, through no fault of their own, find themselves facing such challenging circumstances.
"We have decided to celebrate our 30th anniversary with children with cancer. Out of no fault of theirs, these children are suffering. Unfortunately for us, when grown-ups have cancer, they do everything within their means to get money to cure themselves but a lot of these children with cancer have parents who do not have anyone to help them," she said.
"And for all we know, these children are the next presidents of Ghana, the next governors of Ghana, the next CEOs of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital and all the big hospitals. We don't want to sit down as a church and we don't want to sit down as a group so as Royal Ladies celebrate 30th anniversary, we have come to put laughter and dancing at the feet of these children and their mothers," she said.
She assured that her organization would remain committed to supporting the unit, ensuring the safety and well-being of children with cancer. She also expressed her gratitude to the Apostle General of the church, Rev. Sam Korankye Ankrah, as well as to the members of Royal Ladies Ministries and the sponsors, for their generous contributions toward the donation.
"I want to use this opportunity to say a very big thank you to everybody that has contributed towards us coming to the Oncology Department of Korle Bu Children's Department today and like I said earlier at the administration, this is not going to be the last time. This is only the beginning," she added.
The Acting CEO of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Dr. Frank Owusu Sekyere, stressed that healthcare, particularly for children, is a collective responsibility. He expressed heartfelt gratitude to the group for stepping in to support the care of the children.
Dr. Owusu Sekyere also encouraged other corporate and social organizations to follow this example and contribute to similar causes.
“It is always a delight when people think about children and we have always said that we can’t do it all when it comes to health.
“There must be a shared responsibility, so when people think about children with cancer, especially with very expensive treatments and then they go to the extent to bring things to come and aid their care, I think it is a very laudable idea,” he said.
“We want other corporate and social groups to emulate this kind gesture so that together we can bring smiles to the faces of all the people that are sick in this country. What we do pledge is that everything that you have donated will really go into the care of children with cancer,” he added.
Head of the Pediatric Oncology Unit, Prof. Lorna Renna expressed deep gratitude to the leadership and members of Royal Ladies Ministries for their generous support. She also prayed for continued blessings upon them for their kindness and commitment.
“I would like to say a huge thank you on behalf of the Pediatric Oncology team, the staff, the doctors, the parents and the children especially, for this huge donation and I know being ladies of faith, this is just a symbol of what you have done for them,” she said.
“I know your prayers and your goodwill is going to help with their healing. That's the most important and with your continued presence, I hope they will really get to know the light. The light that you are bringing,” Prof. Renna added.