Dr. Elliot Koranteng Tannor, Senior Lecturer at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), and Nephrologist played a pivotal role in the first-ever kidney transplant performed in the Ashanti Region.

In the heart of Kumasi, where one can dance to the honking of “trotros” and be enveloped by the calls of drivers' mates, a quiet revolution is unfolding.

It is a story of innovation, and the unyielding spirit of Ghanaians determined to rewrite the narrative of healthcare.

At the center of this transformation is Dr. Elliot Koranteng Tannor, a senior lecturer at KNUST and a leading nephrologist, whose vision is as profound as the Volta lake. 

With a flair for public education, he is championing a cause that could change countless lives: routine kidney transplants in Ghana.

His message is clear: organ donation is not just a medical procedure; it is an act of love, a gift of life, and a testament to the strength of community. 

“Evidence shows that those who undergo transplants tend to live longer,” Dr. Tannor explains with his passion-filled voice as he stood for this conversation at the Simulation Center of the  Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital.

“These are people who have been thoroughly tested, their bodies meticulously examined. There is no need for fear. What we need is support-support from the public, from donors, and from those who can help financially. This is how we save lives.” 

The journey to Ghana’s first kidney transplant in the Ashanti Region was no small feat. It required assembling a multidisciplinary team of experts: surgeons, urologists, anesthesiologists, perioperative nurses, ICU specialists, and rehabilitation professionals. Each member including two Indians played a crucial role to ensure the success of this great procedure. 

“We’ve never done this before,” Dr. Tannor reflects. “Putting together a team, ensuring every detail was perfect, it was a monumental task. This is our achievement, our pride. We no longer need to rely on expertise from elsewhere.” 

As a nephrologist, Dr. Tannor’s role in the transplant process is both intricate and indispensable. From identifying the right patient and finding a perfect match to running exhaustive tests and ensuring the donor’s safety, his work is a blend of science and compassion.

“After the surgery,” he says, “we monitor both the donor and the recipient closely. Their well-being is our priority.” 

Dr Tannor revealed that the journey to the surgery began seven years ago, with numerous hurdles along the way. Previously, his patients had to travel to India for transplant procedures after being prepared locally. The major issue was that the surgery was not being conducted in Ghana despite the presence of experts.

“One of my major challenges, working up the patient until the transplant is done, but after I do it, they go to India to get the surgery done. After the surgery is done, they come back and I continue to see them. And to be honest, from my experience, it's always been a burden,” he said.

However, he remained steadfast in his vision, bringing together specialists from different hospitals to finally conduct the surgery in Ghana.

Reflecting on his academic journey, Dr. Tannor credited KNUST for shaping his medical career and inspiring him to return to Ghana despite lucrative opportunities abroad.

“KNUST is what has made me who I am now in terms of whatever I do. And the little I can do is now to give back to KNUST, and that's why I'm so involved. I'm hoping that someday we'll say that we are not doing this in another facility, but we are doing it in our own hospital,” he stated.

Dr. Tannor’s dream is simple yet profound: a Ghana where organ donation is embraced, where transplants become routine, and where every citizen has the chance to live a full, healthy life. It is a dream that echoes the rhythms of the land, the resilience of its people, and the promise of a brighter tomorrow.