Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd has provided free health screening to over 300 residents of its host communities as part of its Cancer Awareness Month activities. The programme, which combined breast health education with breast and prostate cancer screening, aimed to promote early detection and treatment of the diseases. The event was held under the theme "Early Detection Saves Lives" and was supported by the Amansie South District Health Directorate's medical team.
The screening programme included a range of medical checks, such as blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar checks, urine testing, body mass index assessments, and full blood count tests. Participants who required medication were provided with free treatment, while those needing further assessment or treatment were referred to appropriate health facilities. A breast health education session covered warning signs, risk factors, screening, and when to seek medical advice.
The Paramount Queen Mother of the Manso Nkwanta Traditional Area, Nana Nyarko Aboraa Sika III, chaired the event and urged residents to prioritize breast cancer awareness and health checks throughout the year. She cautioned against waiting until October, the awareness month, to revisit the subject and stressed the importance of conversations about cancer and attention to personal health beyond the awareness month.
Nana Nyarko Aboraa Sika III commended Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd for the initiative and welcomed the emphasis on early detection and timely care. She expressed concern about people waiting until they noticed a problem before seeking medical attention and noted that some deaths had been regarded as mysterious when the underlying illnesses had not been identified.
Asanko's General Manager, Justice Fenteng, explained that breast cancer remained the main focus of the company's October awareness activities, with prostate cancer included to encourage men to take an active interest in their health. He urged residents to seek professional advice, understand their screening results, and follow through on recommended care.
The event was attended by the Acting District Health Director for Amansie South, Mr. Randy Osei-Boakye, traditional representatives, and representatives of the District Health Directorate. Asanko's Medical Team, led by Dr. Kwasi Safo, Unit Manager, Health Services, also educated staff on breast and prostate cancer and provided screening services at the onsite clinic.
The programme reinforced the importance of sustained awareness and completing recommended follow-up care beyond the screening day. Across the community and staff activities, participants received guidance on their results, everyday health practices, and when to seek further medical attention. Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd's awareness activities also extended to staff through education and screening services at the onsite clinic.
Key points
- Over 300 residents of Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd's host communities benefited from free breast and prostate cancer screening.
- The programme included breast health education, medical checks, and free medication for those who needed it.
- The event aimed to promote early detection and treatment of breast and prostate cancer, and to encourage sustained awareness and follow-up care beyond the screening day.
