The young cyclist aims to raise funds and awareness for sickle cell disease through a multi-region ride in Ghana
Ekua Bafowah, an 11-year-old Basic Six pupil and sickle cell survivor, is undertaking a cycling exercise to commemorate World Sickle Cell Day on June 19, 2024. The ride, which started on June 10, 2024, aims to raise funds and public awareness for sickle cell disease.
Ekua’s journey, which will conclude at the Ghana Institute of Clinical Genetics in Accra, includes a team of seven children and adults. This marks her second ride, following a similar effort in December last year from Cape Coast to Mepe, where she donated relief items to Akosombo Dam spillage victims.
Ekua’s route spans various regions in Ghana, starting from Cape Coast and passing through towns such as Buipe, Kintampo, Techiman, and Sunyani. Along the way, she meets with regional authorities and makes stops at local markets to educate the public about sickle cell disease.
Her father, DO1 Vincent Asumang, who is cycling with her, founded the Ekua Bafowah Sickle Cell Foundation to raise awareness through sports. The ride not only supports children with the disease but also commemorates World Sickle Cell Day, an event aimed at increasing public knowledge and understanding of the condition and its socio-economic impacts.