Asanko screens over 300 residents, strengthens cancer awareness in host communities

Over 300 residents of Asanko Gold Ghana Ltd’s host communities received free health screening as part of the company’s Cancer Awareness Month activities.

The program combined breast health education with breast and prostate cancer screening and broader medical checks under the theme “Early Detection Saves Lives.”

Delivered with strong support from the Amansie South District Health Directorate’s medical team, the exercise included blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar checks, urine testing, body mass index assessments and full blood count tests.

Free medication was administered to participants who needed it, while those requiring 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. It also addressed misconceptions that can delay care and provided guidance on supporting people affected by breast cancer.

The Paramount Queen Mother of the Manso Nkwanta Traditional Area, Nana Nyarko Aboraa Sika III, who chaired the event, urged residents to make breast cancer awareness and appropriate health checks a year-round priority.

She cautioned against waiting until October each year to revisit the subject, stressing that conversations about cancer and attention to personal health should continue beyond the awareness month.

Reflecting on past community experiences, she said some deaths had been regarded as mysterious when the underlying illnesses had not been identified. She expressed concern about people waiting until they noticed a problem before seeking medical attention.

Nana Nyarko Aboraa Sika III commended Asanko for the initiative. Drawing on the principle that prevention is better than cure, she welcomed the emphasis on early detection and timely care. She also thanked the company for the opportunity to chair an event addressing a subject important to her.

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.

Mr. Fenteng acknowledged that fear, uncertainty, transport difficulties, cost and competing work or family responsibilities could delay medical attention. He encouraged families and neighbours to offer practical support, including helping relatives attend follow-up appointments.

He linked good health to the everyday responsibilities and ambitions of residents, from caring for children and tending farms to running businesses and pursuing education or employment. Supporting community wellbeing, he said, remained an important part of the company’s relationship with its host communities.

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.

The company’s awareness activities also extended to staff through education and screening services at the onsite clinic.

Asanko’s Medical Team, led by Dr. Kwasi Safo, Unit Manager, Health Services, educated staff on breast and prostate cancer. Breast screening was provided at the clinic, while men in the eligible age group were encouraged to visit for prostate cancer screening.

Dr. Safo also noted that the company had arranged mammogram appointments for all female staff above 40.

Across the community and staff activities, participants received guidance on their results, everyday health practices and when to seek further medical attention. The program reinforced the importance of sustained awareness and completing recommended follow-up care beyond the screening day.