A 36-year-old midwife, Rebecca Odarquaye, has been given a renewed chance at life after JoyNews highlighted her desperate appeal for help to undergo life-saving brain surgery.
Rebecca, who has dedicated her career to caring for expectant mothers, was diagnosed with a life-threatening brain aneurysm and told that only urgent surgery could save her life.
“When the doctors told me about the condition, I was scared. I kept thinking about my family and the women I still want to help as a midwife,” she said.
The surgery came at a daunting cost of GH¢210,840—an amount her family could not raise on their own.
“There was no way my family and I could raise that amount. It felt like my life had come to a standstill,” Rebecca added.
After her story aired on JoyNews weeks ago, benevolent individuals responded with donations, raising GH¢17,000 to support her treatment. While the response brought hope, it was still far below the amount required for the surgery.
Relief came when the Ghana Medical Trust Fund, popularly known as Mahama Cares, intervened.
Health Policy Advisor at the Fund, Dr Norbert Kipo, said the Trust Fund stepped in after assessing her case.
“This is exactly why the Ghana Medical Trust Fund was established by the President—to ensure that no Ghanaian is left to suffer or die simply because they cannot afford critical medical care,” he said.
According to Dr Kipo, the Fund fully paid for Rebecca’s surgery at Eurocare Hospital, settling the entire GH¢210,840 medical bill.
He explained that the funds earlier donated by the public have been preserved to support Rebecca’s recovery.
“The funds raised earlier have been set aside for her post-surgery care, including medication and recovery support,” he noted.
Dr Kipo also expressed appreciation to President John Dramani Mahama for establishing the Trust Fund and encouraged individuals and organisations to support the initiative.
“We are grateful to President Mahama for this intervention, and we encourage Ghanaians to support the Trust Fund so we can continue to save lives,” he added.
What began as a story of fear and uncertainty has now become one of hope and second chances.
With her surgery secured and recovery support in place, Rebecca Odarquaye says she is looking forward to returning to the work she loves.
“All I want is to recover fully and go back to helping pregnant women bring new life into the world,” she said.
For JoyNews, the intervention once again underscores the power of amplifying voices in distress—turning stories into solutions and restoring hope where it is needed most.
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