In a powerful demonstration of patriotism and commitment to national development, Dr. Muri Raifu, a Ghanaian neurosurgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, has donated life-changing spinal equipment to the Ghana Health Service (GHS) to support the treatment of severe brain and spinal injuries.
The donation, made on December 30, 2025, underscores the growing role of Ghanaian professionals in the diaspora in strengthening the country’s healthcare system through knowledge transfer, innovation, and direct medical support.
Bridging Gaps in Neurosurgical Care
Dr. Raifu, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Talamus Health, explained that the advanced spinal equipment is designed to enhance complex neurosurgical procedures, particularly for patients suffering from traumatic spinal injuries—conditions that often require urgent and highly specialized care.
Beyond addressing immediate clinical needs, Dr. Raifu noted that the donation is also an investment in the future of neurosurgery in Ghana, aimed at supporting the training and professional development of the next generation of Ghanaian neurosurgeons.
“This contribution is about ensuring that patients receive the care they need, when they need it, while empowering young specialists with the right tools to save lives,” he said.
What the Donation Includes
The donated items include:
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Spinal instrumentation sets
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Biologics for spinal fusion
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Pedicle screws used in the treatment of severe brain and spinal conditions
These specialized tools are critical in restoring mobility, reducing pain, and preventing long-term disability among patients with spinal trauma.
Ghana Health Service Welcomes Support
Receiving the equipment on behalf of the Director-General of the Ghana Health Service, the Medical Director of the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge Hospital), Dr. Leslie Issa Adam-Zakariah, expressed deep appreciation to Dr. Raifu for the timely and impactful donation.
He assured that the equipment would be safely maintained and strategically deployed to benefit patients in need, particularly those requiring advanced neurosurgical interventions.
Building Centres of Excellence in Ghana
Dr. Adam-Zakariah further revealed that the Ghana Health Service is working towards transforming Ridge Hospital and other regional hospitals into centres of excellence in healthcare delivery across the country.
He emphasized that it is the vision of the Director-General of GHS—himself a Consultant Neurosurgeon—to position the Neurosurgery Department of Ridge Hospital as one of the best in the sub-region, capable of delivering world-class care to Ghanaians at home.
A Call to the Ghanaian Diaspora
Dr. Raifu’s donation stands as a compelling example of how diaspora expertise and resources can play a transformative role in addressing critical gaps in Ghana’s health sector. It reinforces the call for more Ghanaian professionals abroad to partner with local institutions to build resilient, self-reliant healthcare systems.
As Ghana continues its journey toward universal health coverage and specialized medical excellence, such acts of generosity and national service remind us that saving lives is a shared responsibility—one that transcends borders.
