Visas secured for injured SDA student, two caregivers to receive eye treatment in UK

UK visas have been secured for Suzy Adwoa Pinamang, a second-year student of Adventist Senior High School in Bantama, Ashanti Region, who was tragically shot in the eye.

She will now be flown abroad for urgent medical treatment following a recommendation from doctors at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, who confirmed she had sustained severe injuries to her eyes.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and MP for North Tongu, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed this development in a statement on his official Facebook page.

He explained that the visas were granted on compassionate grounds and will cover Suzy and two caregivers who will accompany her on the medical trip.

Ablakwa expressed his deep appreciation to the UK High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Harriet Thompson, for her swift and compassionate response to his urgent appeal.

He also praised the Member of Parliament for Bantama, Francis Asenso-Boakye, for bringing Suzy’s situation to his attention and requesting his intervention.

In a heartwarming show of solidarity, Ghanaian businessman and brother of President John Dramani Mahama, Ibrahim Mahama, has volunteered to cover the entire cost of Suzy’s medical treatment in the UK.

See his statement below:

"I am able to announce that the UK visas for Suzy Adwoa Pinamang and two caregivers accompanying her on her medical trip have been secured.

I have also instructed the Ghana High Commission in the UK to extend special consular privileges when she arrives.

I wish to express profound gratitude to the UK High Commissioner, Her Excellency Harriet Thompson, who has been extremely helpful pursuant to my urgent appeal on compassionate grounds.

May I also commend the MP for Bantama, Hon. Francis Asenso-Boakye, who first brought Suzy’s plight to my attention and requested my intervention as Foreign Minister following the accidental gunshot by her classmate.

It is also in order to convey heartfelt gratitude to Ibrahim Mahama, who has generously decided to cover the entire cost of Madam Pinamang’s medical treatment in the UK.

This is a testament to what we can achieve when we work together.

I wish Suzy Adwoa Pinamang the very best, don’t give up the fight, brave young lady, you are a winner!

You can always count on the prayers and support of the Ghanaian people."

I am able to announce that the UK visas for Suzy Adwoa Pinamang and two caregivers accompanying her on her medical trip have been secured.

I have also instructed the Ghana High Commission in the UK to extend special consular privileges when she arrives in the UK.

I wish to…

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) May 8, 2025