Korle Bu Gets Childhood Cancer Library

Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana now boasts a well-equipped library for childhood cancer patients, thanks to the efforts of Ashfoam Cares, a charitable arm of the Ashanti Foam Factory Limited (Ashfoam). This initiative, spearheaded by Ashfoam, was supported by the Ghana Library Authority and other institutions. The library aims to provide emotional, educational, and social support for children battling cancer and their families.

Nana Yaw Ampem-Darko Antwi, the Marketing and Communications Manager of Ashfoam Ghana Limited, revealed that the company's philanthropic work is executed through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Corporate Social Initiatives (CSI). He emphasized that the support for the Childhood Cancer Unit at Korle Bu is part of Ashfoam's health sector agenda. Antwi stated, "When we were approached by the LCCG, we saw children as young as zero to three years living with cancer. It is heartbreaking."

Ashfoam's commitment to the project is ongoing, with the first phase involving the furnishing of the library to keep children engaged during their hospital stays. The company plans to announce its second phase of support soon. Antwi added that Ashfoam will assist in maintaining and improving the facility to international standards, including painting and regular upkeep.

Akua Sarpong, the Executive Director of the Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana (LCCG), expressed that children with cancer often spend months in hospital beds, with their world reduced to machines, medicines, and drips. Playing and learning are crucial aspects of childhood, but cancer deprives children of these experiences. The new library offers a safe space for children to escape their hospital beds, fostering a sense of safety, enabling them to dream, laugh, learn, play, and connect, all while focusing on overcoming their illness.

Sarpong also highlighted that the facility supports mothers by providing an outdoor area for activities and a mother circle for sharing experiences and receiving therapeutic support. The space is also utilized for art therapy, which is instrumental in the treatment protocol as it helps children relax and express themselves.